Posted on 02/28/2006 8:51:57 PM PST by BillyDee53
Arts, Culture And Media: Garry Cobb - What A Sad State Of The African-American Union Posted by: admin on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 04:32 PM [ Edit ] [ Delete ]
I approached C-Span's production of Tavis Smiley's yearly State Of The African-American Union with positive anticipation. I was hoping that unlike the past events which were nothing but blame Bush and bash Bush showcases, this year's would be about tangible moves that individuals, families and groups could make to improve the lives of black Americans nationwide. Thankfully I did hear some encouraging comments from former Congressman Rev. Floyd Flake of Queens, NY, Washington Post economic writer and commentator Michelle Singletary; former NBA star and current multimillionaire restauranteur Junior Bridgeman, as well as Republican State Representative from Oregon Jackie Winters. Those more conservative panelists were the only ones to make some constructive comments. Whereas the likes of Harry Belafonte, Rev. Al Sharpton and Muslim Minister Louis Farrakhan, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Princeton professor Cornel West said things that were ridiculous and idiotic, while blaming President Bush, the Republicans and racism for every problem that black people face. This was supposed to be about black empowerment but all they talked about was what somebody else should do for black people.
Reverend Floyd Flake spoke about the fact that black people think that success in politics is going to be the answer to all their problems. He expounded about the tremendous investments blacks make in political activism but the scarcity of their investments in family, economic and educational areas. Then he contrasted it with other ethnic groups who invest much more in areas that are tangible and deal with family, money and knowledge. I couldn't help but think about something I read by Shelby Steele who said that we've got to go from a war strategy to a peace strategy. Rev. Flake was making the point that blacks are still spending all other time and efforts fighting for rights they already have, but other ethnic groups are coming in and taking advantage of the rights and opportunities in America. This could be truly empowering for blacks.
Washington Post commentator Michelle Singletary brought up money management, saving and investing. She talked about her grandmother who performed nurse care and did home cleanings, yet she saved hundreds of thousands of dollars despite her meager salary. She spoke about the fact that these money management activities are possible for all Americans. It's what you call empowerment.
Successful businessman Junior Bridgeman let us know that he got a firm foundation from his parents who had him in church constantly and demanded that he brought good grades home from school. In addtion to faith and education, the former basketballer spoke about having a work ethic and sense of humility that will lead you to learn everything you need to know about your profession and make you willing to sweep floors or whatever you need to do to succeed. What he talked about was tangible and truly empowering.
Oregon State Representative Jackie Winters brought up something which had gone unmentioned during all the pontificating and smoke blowing. She brought up the family. Imagine that, you had all of these so-called ministers and black leaders running their mouths but not talking about the deplorable condition of so many black families. Representative Winters challenged the audience to keep their famiies together and think of their children when they decide what actions they're going to take. Sounds like self-responsibility and empowerment.
On the other hand Harry Belafonte talked as if blacks were still in slavery. He along with the other "race baiters" and "poverty pimps" refused to talk about any self-responsibility on the part of blacks. He cut down the country and everything it represents. It's a wonder why Harry doesn't move.
Reverend Al talked about Hurrican Katrina and how blacks were left and abandoned by the Federal government. He got some laughs but as usual talked about voting and how it was the key to blacks honoring the sacrifices made by the likes of Martin Luther King. It's as if he didn't hear Rev. Flake's comments about over investing in politics and neglecting economics and family. I guess Rev Al thinks that getting blacks and Dems elected is going solve the major problems which blacks face in America. The same old rap from Rev. Al.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as usual went after President Bush and those evil Republicans who neglected the black people in New Orleans. She spoke as if Bush and those evil Republicans are forcing black people to shoot and kill themselves, drop out of school, inpregnate their teenage girls and terrorize their senior citizens. She dragged out the race card and just had a good time, but said nothing.
Cornel West made up for the fact that Michael Eric Dyson was there with his "deep foolishness" because West was there to use some big words and say nothing. There are guys in every black neighborhood who can use big words and talk about things which nobody can understand or takes seriously. We used to call these guys the "flim flam" men. They were always trying to con somebody and that's what West and Dyson have been able to do. They talk and it sounds cool but after they're done nobody can really say what they talked about.
Tavis Smiley talked about the different statistics concerning black wealth, income and education. There was nothing wrong with bringing up the facts but black liberals seem to believe that poor performance by blacks can be blamed solely on racism. It's as if poor students have nothing to do with themselves being poor students. They say nothing about the bad attitudes which plague black students and black parents. Do black liberals live in a parrallel universe? I think they're just playing the role because they know how bad the attitudes are in the inner cities of the nation.
The worst statements by far in the conference were made by Black Muslim Minister Louis Farrakhan. He put together quotes from the Bible and the Quoran and came out with the garbled and strange reasonings that culminated in the fact that America should be destroyed and allowed to burn. It seemed like the ravings of a lunatic and was a total embarrassment to blacks nationwide. He even brought up a tale about Martin Luther King and Belafonte days before Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis. He quoted that Dr. King said America is a burning house and that blacks have been trapped in the burning house. It made no sense at all. They showed a shot of Tavis grimacing on the side as Farrakhan ranted on. He should make sure to forget to invite the minister to next year's talkathon.
Bottomline at the end of the long day, WE C AN DO BETTER THAN THIS!
Looks who's a conservative. G Cobb, former Eagle and CBS 3 sportscaster.
ping
Although we are of 'European Descent' we believe it is important to know about the concerns of all of our fellow Americans.
Perhaps Tavis is beginning to understand that the direction of this yearly meeting needs to start going in a different direction and come out with truly useful tools for the community he has been addressing in the meetings.
Indeed, Rev. Flake was one of the very few sane Democrats in the Black caucus. He was actively encouraging the GOP to try to make a play for Black votes (in fact, had it not been a perilous move, he probably would've preferred to have served as a Republican in Congress) and occasionally endorsed Republicans. He grew fed up with DC and preferred to return to pastoring his church full-time.
Actually Tavis Smiley and Cornel West don't have a brain between them. Tavis is a BS artist and Cornel West can't put two english sentances together that make sense. In addition, American Blacks only have to take a look at the recovery efforts in New Orleans, headed by Mayor Ray Nagin, another pure empty suit. And.....as for the NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus, neither has come up with any real bucks or leadership in restoring NO. Blacks better wake up and stop listening to their Democrat friends, because the likes of Tavis Smiley and Cornel West, etc. are going to keep the mass of Black folk at the bottom of the economic and political totem pole for many years to come!!!
"Indeed, Rev. Flake was one of the very few sane Democrats in the Black caucus. He was actively encouraging the GOP to try to make a play for Black votes (in fact, had it not been a perilous move, he probably would've preferred to have served as a Republican in Congress) and occasionally endorsed Republicans."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.