California bigot charged with threats on Obama and his family

There is one thing you have to love about Barack Obama, he knows how to handle a crowd."He did give a good speech."

The young boy from New Orleans asked a great question. Now we learn from The Huffington Post, A Northern California man remained in federal custody without bail Friday after being charged with sending racist, profanity-laced e-mail threatening to kill President Barack Obama and his family. More HERE

AAPP: These bigots are coming out of the woodwork. Obama still keeps it positive. That's a good thing...

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/16/john-gimbel-california-ma_n_324511.html

NAACP Supports Wacko Judge Involved in sodomy and kidnapping , extortion, sex abuse and assault

Hat Tip to the BBC and blogger Antoinette's "Point of View" for her recent post exposing Herman Thomas. Judge Herman Thomas — the Alabama state court judge who allegedly enjoyed spanking male prisoners, traded favorable treatment for sexual favors, and improperly interfered on behalf of a cousin in legal trouble — resigned from the bench some time ago.

Now the former circuit judge, 48, of Mobile, Alabama has been charged with sodomy and kidnapping , extortion, sex abuse and assault, against 15 current and former prisoners.


The inmates stated that in exchange for these sexual acts he would grant them leniency. More HERE

Former Judge Herman Thomas

As reported by the BBC Mr Thomas resigned as a judge in 2007 following allegations that he spanked inmates in his private office at the county courthouse with a paddle.

'Private meetings'

In April this year, he was indicted on more serious charges.

If he is convicted of the charges of kidnapping, he could face a sentence of life in prison.

Court records show that some of the inmates involved said they were checked out of jail for meetings with the defendant in either his car or in his office.

They claim they were abused during these meetings.

However, Mr Thomas's lawyer, Robert Clark, has said the alleged victims were trying to ruin his client's career.

In April, he described the situation as a "a high-tech lynching" and said it was politically motivated.

He said: "They don't like uppity black folks, and that's what they consider Herman."

Mr Thomas's license to practice has already been suspended.

AAPP: Get this, the BBC reports "The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a civil rights organization, has said that Mr Thomas is being prosecuted because of his race. I guess the NAACP did not talk with the other judge he threatened.
The NAACP also should have listened to the evidence including the semen stain evidence that will be used in the prosecution of Herman Thomas which was found on carpeting in a small office located steps from the former Mobile County circuit judge's courtroom, according to a state forensics report - More HERE

If the BBC report is right, It looks like the NAACP is on the wrong side of the law. It won't be the first time.

Blog Action Day, Climate Change and Black Folks

Ok, today is Blog Action Day - 2009. I love that fact that nearly 5,000 blogs have already signed up for Blog Action Day 2009. I promised to do a blog about the whole issue of climate change and black folks. I started researching the fact that in the United States, there are serious climate issues that need to be addressed, and these problems disproportionately affect African-Americans and lower-income communities.

Get this, from poor air quality to illegal waste dumping, black communities around the country have suffered the most from environmental pollution. There is more, last year the Commission to Engage African-Americans on Climate Change (CEAC) put out a background paper, Global Warming and African Americans. As the blog Grio.com/ noted, the report contains statistics that should alarm all Americans.

There is more, according to the survey, "temperature increases are expected to be more extreme in urban areas, where blacks are more than twice as likely to live than whites." Furthermore, because black urban dwellers are less likely to have air conditioning in their homes, the heat-related mortality rate could go up in American inner cities. In addition, African-Americans currently spend an estimated 25 percent of their income on basic necessities like food, water and energy - much more than most Americans. More HERE

Bloggers from the African American Environmentalist Association along with the Congressional Black Caucus have detailed the unequal burden of climate change and the African American community.

According to Reuters, black Americans are more than twice as likely to live in cities. Black Americans are also more likely to suffer from the high costs of fuel making them "fuel poor" as the demand for energy in the economy increases. Combined with the urban heat island effectair pollution and smog, the result is communities of people gathering to join in the fight against global warming. - H/T Rachelle Oblack at About.com has been tracking the political issues, and notes:
and increased

The Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change (CEAC) has been created to bring light to the unique issues faced by African American communities caused by climate change issues. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn released the following statement:

“America's energy policy can either be reactive and arcane, or it can be proactive and visionary. Everyday in Congress we are fighting for policies that will end our dependence on foreign oil, enhance our national security, protect our environment, create new economies, and provide better options to those who suffer disproportionately from rising energy costs. The debate over climate change policy will impact all of these goals and it is critical that our community be an active part of this debate. I am honored to participate in the launch of the Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change and commend the leaders of the Commission for having the vision to bring this diverse group of experts together to broaden the reach of the African American community. I look forward to working with the Commission as Congress continues to tackle critical energy and climate change issues.”

In prior surveys, climate change has never been mentioned as a top problem by any black respondents.

Good News, according to the website urban mecca a majority of African Americans want to minimize the impacts of climate change

October 2009

A majority of African Americans believe climate change is a growing problem that both government and individuals should take action on now to mitigate the potential impacts, according to the results of a national poll conducted by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a research and policy institution in Washington, DC.

The survey of 750 African American adults found that more than half of respondents identified the issue as a “major problem,” with 58 percent giving that response when it was described as “global warming” and 52 percent reacting that way when the term “climate change” was used. Only about ten percent in each group said global warming or climate change is not a problem.

A large majority of respondents said that government and individuals can do things to reduce global warming. About a third believe federal and state government can do a lot to mitigate the problem, while some three-quarters believe government can at least do something. A majority of African Americans express support for the cap-and-trade legislation passed earlier this year by the U.S. House of Representatives, and a large majority said they would be even more supportive with strong provisions for green jobs and incentives to buy more energy efficient cars and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.The poll was the second that the Joint Center has conducted to determine African American views on climate change. The previous survey, released in July 2008, also found a majority of African Americans defining climate change as a problem that government must address.

A key finding in this year’s survey is that 26 percent of African Americans think they — and others like them — can do a lot to reduce global warming, and an additional 44 percent believe they can take at least some measures to combat the problem. The survey results indicate that a majority of them recycle and purchase energy saving appliances and light bulbs, while nearly half of them purchased products in the last year that were better for the environment even though the products were more costly than similar non-environmentally friendly items.

“While African Americans are underrepresented in the public debates on climate change and environmental issues generally, they are as aware of these issues as other groups in American society, and committed to action — both personal and governmental — to deal with the problems associated with climate change,” said Ralph B. Everett, President and CEO of the Joint Center. More HERE

AAPP says: It's time for black folks to join groups like the African American Environmentalist Association. The fact of the matter is the world's poorest people are often hit hardest by the consequences of climate change. another great organization doing great work on this issue is CARE.

I'm glad to be part of this Blog Action Day, I salute the people who have coordinated this effort to get bloggers to blog in unison about this particular issue. I hope more afrospear members will join in next year.

Tasered at a Waffle House

No shocking development here.Two Gwinnett County police sergeants have resigned and Cpl. Gary Miles has been arrested after Miles allegedly used a Taser on a Waffle House waiter as a joke. The sergeants reportedly saw the incident and did not report it. The department is investigating claims a fourth officer pointed a Taser... As reported

African Americans should not call themselves African American, or move out of the country if they choose to do so.

An opinion letter published by the Paris News shines more negative light on a controversial small Texas town.

Paris, Texas, as reported by WiredPRNews.com – A recent opinion letter published by a local newspaper has angered some residents of the town of Paris, Texas. In a letter to the editor of The Paris News regarding the current U.S. president, James Atkinson made an assertion that African Americans should not call themselves African American, or move out of the country if they choose to do so.

Atkinson is quoted in his letter, which was published on Oct. 12, as stating, “Just for the record, I’ve been here for 58 years and as of now I’ve yet to see a real Afro-American; the Blacks who were born here in the United States are Black Americans. If you want the title of Black African-American, you will have to move back to Africa. End of story.”

Paris resident Dorothy Lyons expressed disbelief that the town’s major news source would publish a letter she deems highly offensive to African Americans, regardless of it being placed in the opinion section. Lyons states, “This is an example of why we have been in the news so much about race problems here.” Lyons further notes, “What is the point of his letter? What about it would make them say this is something that everyone needs to read. If the KKK sent in a letter calling us all the n-word, would they publish that too?”

Paris, Texas is not new to controversy regarding race matters. Several individuals gathered for a protest in July regarding what many claimed was an inadequate investigation into the death of a 24 year-old black man, who some say was dragged by members of a white supremacist group. The case remains unsolved. More HERE

Meanwhile, Lloyd Marcus is a black conservative activist, national spokesperson, entertainer and singer/songwriter of the "American Tea Party Anthem". Marcus announced publicly at a tea party that he will not refer to himself as an African American. "In this current climate of heighten racial tensions, rejecting hyphenating and simply calling myself an American is a step in the right direction towards my goal of uniting all Americans" says Marcus.

Marcus is internationally known for his columns, music recordings and participation performing on political tours including the hugely successful Tea Party Express tour.

Marcus says he is not alone in his opposition to Americans hyphenating. It began in March 2009 at a Tea Party in Orlando Florida. Before performing his original song, "American Tea Party Anthem", Marcus addressed the audience. "I am NOT an African American. I am Lloyd Marcus...AMERICAN!" To Marcus' surprise, the audience of 6,000 erupted with applause. More HERE

AAPP: So what should black folks call themselves, was the newspaper in Paris, Texas right or wrong for publishing the opinion piece?

Miss Nappturality, Black Hair, Going Natural

H/T and Shout out to Mia Press

Check out Miss Nappturality. America's Next Natural Model is an online competition.

America's Next Natural Model 09

Now that Chris Rock has shown us one part of Black women's hair care in his film Good Hair, America can watch how the other part is styling their hair in a pageant called America's Next Natural Model organized by Going-Natural.com.

Each of the ten participating beauties is proud to show their natural texture to the fullest and proof that African hair can be extremely beautiful without hazardous chemicals, extensions or weaves.

The successful pageant is in its second year. Last year's winner, Tiana Tamara Townsel is today's Miss Black Washington.

America's Next Natural Model is an online competition with judges but users have a final say in who becomes gets the title by voting and leaving comments in a social networking environment. It's American Idol meets America's Next Top Model on the web at Going-Natural.com.

The competition starts on November 2nd and runs until December 28. For more information visit Going-Natural.com or email info@going-natural.com.

Political Blogs Join Blog Action Day

Get this, nearly 5,000 blogs have already signed up for Blog Action Day 2009.

If you looked at one blog every five seconds, it would take take over six hours to get through all the participants!

Here, in alphabetical order, is a sampling of 21 excellent political blogs (including this pundit) who are participating in this year’s global discussion of climate change on October 15.

Can you figure out how many languages and countries they represent?

1. African American Political Pundit Blog
2. Alleba Politics
3. Blog do Governo de Minas Gerais
4. Ecopolity
5. French Politics
6. Government Jobs India – Sarkari Naukri
7. Marketing Político
8. Observatori de ciberpolítica
9. ΟΙΚΟ.ΠΟΛΙ.Σ
10. PathWays PA Policy Blog
11. PolicyMatters
12. Polis Journeys
13. Politekon Peru
14. politicaenlaescuela
15. Political Friends
16. Politician’s Wife
17. Politics Too Early In The Morning
18. RealPolitik
19. Retro*Politics
20. umweltnetz.ch
21. Why City Government Matters

Visit all of these amazing blogs (including my own) and discover some of the fine people behind Blog Action Day! And then go sign yourself up and spread the word …

More HERE

The Congressional Black Caucus - The beginning of the end ?

Is this the beginning of the end of the Congressional Black Caucus? Are black folks just tired of the Congressional Black Caucus and their lack of productivity?



Rep. Charles Rangel

Well according to the Huffington post, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) will face a 2010 primary challenge from one of his own former campaign directors. Get this, Vince Morgan, a New York banker who once worked for Rangel as a special assistant and subsequently as a campaign director, announced Monday that he would challenge Rangel for reelection.

Vince Morgan

Morgan's announcement comes after months of ethical scrutiny surrounding Rangel in regard to his alleged failure to have paid certain taxes and disclose some income on congressional filings.

Get this, as reported by The Washington Post, Mr. Rangel's amended financial disclosure form, which exposes omissions from his 2002 through 2006 records, is a treasure trove of outrage. He neglected to report a checking account with the Congressional Federal Credit Union and one with Merrill Lynch, each valued between $250,000 and $500,000; the tens of thousands of dollars he's earning from dividends from a number of mutual funds and stocks; and the money made from the sale of a Harlem townhouse. As a result, Mr. Rangel's reported net worth doubled, from between $516,015 and $1,316,000 to between $1,028,024 and $2,495,000.
More HERE

Get this, even more --- Politico reports: Some of the progressives who helped put Nancy PelosiHarry Reid in power are demanding that they come down hard on House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel and any Senate committee chairmen who stray from the flock on health care reform.

Don’t hold your breath.

While three Democratic insiders say leaders have privately discussed the possibility of ousting Rangel or asking him to step aside, there has been no move to approach the New York Democrat — and aides to Pelosi have made it clear that she won’t do anything about him until the House Ethics Committee finishes its probe.

That doesn’t sit well with Markos Moulitsas and Arianna Huffington, two stars of the liberal blogosphere who’ve joined House Republicans in calling for Rangel’s ouster. Read more HERE

Rangel has represented Harlem in Congress since 1971, during which time he has risen to become chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Rangel has won his district — currently New York's 15th — overwhelmingly during the past few election cycles, having received only token Republican opposition. Read more HERE

AAPP: I hope that there will be more people coming out of the woodwork to challenge the Congressional Black Caucus in each of their congressional districts. I like Vince Morgan's background, like me, he was raised by a single mother in urban community. His was Chicago's tough Bronzeville community, mine was the tough neighborhoods of Brooklyn, NY (where I was born) and Roxbury, MA (where I was raised). Like Vince, I too almost became a statistic when I dropped out of high school at age 16. Like Vince with the support of concerned adults and my own determination, I succeeded in turning his life around. He obtained his GED; as I but he attended Howard University while I attended the University of Massachusetts and Harvard University. Like him I graduated with a bachelor's degree at a public university and earned a Master’s degree.

He is a banker, I'm a blogger and blogtalkradio host. I'm glad that Vince's personal experience fuels his dedication to community and the young people who represent our future. I salute him and wish him well.

I agree with fellow Afrospear blogger Villager at the blog Electronic Village: Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) Should Resign.

It's time for change.

It's time for a political revolution with black voters. Black voters must hold black political leadership in America accountable.

It's time to throw the bum's out!

Pam Spaulding, Blogger and Afrospear Member

Good news, The Huffington Post's Game Changers is celebrating 100 innovators, visionaries, and leaders in 10 categories who are harnessing the power of new media to reshape their fields and change the world. Here is better news, one of our own, Pam Spaulding has been picked by HuffPost as one of the 10 people who are changing the game in Politics. Like the Huffington Post I salute Pam. Read more about what the Huffington Post says about Pam.
Don't forget to vote for Pam.

Must Click Link: HERE

Source: Huffington Post.

Current Status: Exposing hatred and ignorance from a laptop in North Carolina

Changing The Game By: Using her home computer -- along with an outsider’s passion and perspective -- to expose the hypocrisy and hatred that fuels homophobia and racism. No ordinary voice in the gay political blogosphere, Spaulding, a black lesbian, lives in Durham, North Carolina. Her blog, Pam’s House Blend, catalogs in detail the anti-gay words and actions of the media, politicians and clergy. Her compass isn’t partisan; it’s aligned with what she thinks is right and wrong, which is why she’s paying close attention to whether Obama will become the inclusive president he claimed he would be. “Words are just words,” she says. “They must become actions. Everyone will be closely watching.”

Earning Their Respect: Pam’s House Blend was one of the first blogs to acquire press credentials to last year's Democratic National Convention.

Must Click Link: HERE

Read more HERE

UPDATE: Cop Jailed For Rape

File this under: Attack on black youth in America!

You remember the post on the Black Teen With Special Needs Who Was Beaten By Police?
Well get this, an update from Raw Story. The Cop who assaulted black teen is now in jail on rape charge; shot ex-wife's new husband 24 times in 'self defense'

The officer who brutally beat special needs student Marshawn Pitts has been identified as 38-year-old Christopher Lloyd, according to Chicago Breaking News, which spoke to Lloyd's father.

The news agency reported that Lloyd is currently in jail after being charged with the rape of a woman he knew and is facing a 20-year sentence should he be convicted.

The Chicago Tribune-backed service adds: "A lawsuit filed by his ex-wife, Nicole McKinney, last summer alleges he gunned down her new husband Cornel McKinney in front of their children outside their home on the 6100 block of South Langley Avenue on Feb. 17, 2008."

More HERE

BET, Shelia Johnson, Creigh Deeds, Politics and Stuttering

Why is it that billionaire co-founder, Sheila Johnson of the Black Entertainment Television (BET) has mocked Democratic Candidate for Gov. of Virgina, Creigh Deeds' occasional stuttering at a fundraiser she held? Read more on how the BET founder mimics Va. gov candidate's speech.

AAPP: As one who has worked with young people who stutter, I find it insulting that she would play the "stutter card" against Creigh Deeds. i'm glad to hear Ms. Johnson apologized after mocking Deeds at fundraiser.


I'm also glad that fellow blogger and blogtalkradio host , Kenda Bell wrote the BET co-founder regarding her disparaging actions in regards to stuttering.

You see, Kenda like thousands of people who stutter, have made it a point to address the hatred behind the actions of those who would insult people whether they are child or adult.

I hope Sheila Johnson and others who may not understand stuttering will read the below open letter from Kenda. It just may open your eyes.

Ms. Sheila Johnson,

I sincerely wish I was writing you this letter under better circumstances; I truly do. I am a resident of Maryland; I was unaware of Creigh Deeds and his campaign bid for the governorship of Virginia, let alone his speech impediment until your mockery of something I have battled with daily since childhood. In light of the Bob McDonnell fundraiser incident, I could not sit silent. This is something I have done much too often as a stutterer; today I choose to be heard. I hope you read these words and listen with an open ear and receptive heart.

Being an African American woman, I am sure you can identify with the desire to not be limited or judged because of presumed deficiencies. As a trailblazer in your own right, I am sure you have had to debunk and dismantle many prejudicial psychoses, many times shrugging aside ridicule and humiliation. I don’t have to cite numerous studies that postulated that African Americans were mentally inferior or women by virtue of birth were best relegated to the kitchen and the bedroom. Make no mistake, everyone has a right to their own opinion; what I ask is that it be a fair and educated one. Approximately 50 million people world-wide, 10.5 million of which reside in the United States, battle to not only be heard but to be respected a viable member of society. Allow me to share from a personal account, what it is like to be one of 50 million stutterers.

I have stuttered for as long as I can remember. I can think of very few moments in my life, where I have not felt a tinge of anxiety before I spoke. Can you imagine being forced into introversion…choosing to keep silent when you wanted to speak. Not because you didn’t have anything worthwhile to say but because you felt the presentation was not worthy. I use to preface and footnote every stammer with “I’m sorry”; I have to catch myself from apologizing even now as an adult when I am in conversation. I pause as I re-read that last sentence and think of that skinny fuzzy haired little girl, bubbling with thoughts , who would cried profusely in kindergarten when she couldn’t make it through the whole alphabet…chocking and sputtering at the letter D. Kids laughing, my teacher with an awkward stare , I stood eyes full of tears, vulnerable and ashamed. In my head all I kept saying was “I know it! I am smart! I can say them from A-Z, in my head, just not out loud!” Thus began, my quest for expression without fear of reproach.

Now pause for a moment, think back to a time when you had to present an idea and anxiety gnawed at your insides mercilessly. Not quite sure of what your audience’s disposition maybe; thoughts loomed in your head “How do I look?” or “What will they think?” Did you ponder if you would “sound good”…would your words matter to the listener? What you though and had to say did have meaning; every word; every inflection of your voice matters. Imagine if you had a stutter? Should you have resigned to keep silent?

As a natural extrovert and people person, stuttering was an aggressively hurdled stumbling block that never ceased to strengthen my humility and challenge my ego. Elementary school was the vestibule of hell but junior high was slightly better. By time I reached high school, I had a host of friends and was fairly popular. Some of the 50 million people I represent share similar triumphs; many I know personally are successful educators and preachers; while some in that group not so lucky. Many are reclusive and socially mitigated due to a culture that deems us inadequate and less intelligent; a source of comedic relief through mockery and disparaging treatment because we may not be the “smoothest talker” on queue. Can you imagine that?

Fast forward to adulthood… still stutter. While 75% of documented stutterers outgrow it by adulthood, I remain in that 25%. As a woman and African American; studies show that I am less likely to stutter BUT here I am. When my phone rings at work, anxiety sometimes chokes me…other days I flow with ease. I have good days and bad days, more good than bad as I get older and more confident in whom I am. Yet and still, calling my son’s school … ordering food … asking for directions…simple task for some; can be an intricate dance between words and the tongue. Don’t even ask about when I have a job interview. How many times I have wondered if my qualifications were disqualified because I stutter; was I a subject of “a funny thing happened at the office” during dinner. I can only thank God that I have been afforded the opportunity to temp to perm most of my jobs; at least the employer was able to see me in action and see my assets.

At present , I have much to say and much more to do. My pen had become my best friend, allowing me to express my thoughts with more ease and confidence than my tongue sometimes allows. Make no mistake, once I get my stride you may forget I even stutter... it’s the mounting up that can be tricky. Facing it head on and jumping over it. Yes, it is daunting but can I allow that to hold me from moving toward my goals. No way!

I have decided speak up. My thoughts and words are relevant and have meaning; both verbally and written. I do workshops, book-signings, host events…even have a little internet show…yet and still …I fear reproach and mockery…but I must press on. I have a vision of myself being a motivational speaker to not only stutterers but anyone who feels as though they should resolve to be silent and hide quietly on the fringes of society.

As I close this letter, I sincerely hope that some of these words have provoked thought and consideration for people such as myself who aspire to do great things. I humbly hope that stutterers or anyone who feels maligned based upon gender, race, creed, class, age or presumed disability can be judge by the content of our character and our works; with respect and not mockery. I also hope, you would not find in robbery to help me in this cause whether through words of encouragement or social influence to bring a message that every person is viable and relevant to society. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Kenda Bell

kenda@kendabell.com

www.kendabell.com

www.blogtalkradio.com/kenda-bell

The First Race Card Nobel Peace Prize

Get this, as Barack Obama appears to be ready to escalate the War on Afghanistan, he is getting the Nobel Peace Prize?

The headlines say it all! It is big news in Chicago and around the world. News outlets are reporting on how, Obama gets reward for world view - BBC News, Obama Strikes Gold - The Washington Post, The Nobel Prize, and Europeans' Views of America.




President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, citing his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation. Obama wins has drawn mixed reviews - Reuters.

ok, so I'm reading Andrew Sullivan's All Over The World post in which he writes, This president has done a huge amount to bring race relations in this country to a different place."

AAPP: I'm like what world is he in? What has this guy been smokin'

For most black Americans, race/color relations in this country is worst since Barack Obama became President.

Candidly, I'm with so many Americans on this one. I'm wondering what did President Barack Obama do to win the Nobel Prize. What did he really do? Did he really win because he is the first black to win the Presidency of the United States? If so, this will be the first "Race Card-Nobel Prize." Barack has not solved the color arousal problem in America, Stopped the War on Afghanistan, or brought Peace to the Middle East, So... What did Obama do to get the Nobel Peace Prize?

As reported by the Huffington post, The stunning choice made Obama the third sitting U.S. president to win the Nobel Peace Prize and shocked Nobel observers because Obama took office less than two weeks before the Feb. 1 nomination deadline. Obama's name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believed it was too early to award the president. More HERE

The bloggers are going off the chain reporting on how Obama's Nobel win stuns even the White House as President Barack Obama follows Al Gore by obtaining this high honor.


Reaction is mixed

UPDATE: Dr. Cornel West has spoken out on the Nobel Peace Prize and Barack Obama. As reported by The Huffington Post, Dr. Cornel West spoke at the Central Library in Los Angeles Friday, Oct. 9, and weighed in on what winning the Nobel Peace Prize will mean for President Obama.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/10/cornel-west-comments-on-o_n_316476.html

Dr. West said, "It's gonna be hard to be a war president with a peace prize. Gonna be difficult. Very, very difficult. And so I think he knows that and we as fellow citizens have to, um, as brother Tavis would say in his wonderful book Accountability, keep him accountable and loving and self critical, not self-righteous way. I think it's very difficult for any head of an empire to be under the pressure of peace. 'Cause you're head of the largest military in the world, you got over a thousand military installments on the globe, you got ships in every sea. It's very difficult. And I think following brother Martin King, we know that peace is not the absence of conflict, peace is the presence of justice. So They go hand in hand.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/10/cornel-west-comments-on-o_n_316476.html

- Read More HERE - Click here to listen to Dr. West's remarks. Below is a transcript of Dr. West's comments. He will be a guest on next week's Tavis Smiley Show.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/10/cornel-west-comments-on-o_n_316476.html

OK, Don't hate me for saying this, and I know Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others may disagree with me on this one, but I don't get why he received the Nobel prize, but I'm not going to join the idiots,Conservatives, the Taliban and right wingers in an online petition that protests Obama's Nobel win.

Yes, there are many bloggers, including black bloggers like AverageBro.com who wonder why Barack Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize? Some are wondering if Barack Obama received a Nobel-Prize for his teleprompter skills? Candidly I don't think Obama's Nobel Prize is tarnished as some right wingers think.

I salute and congratulate our President for winning the Nobel Peace prize, I just wonder out loud why he received the prize for his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.

As the Financial Times points out— “It is hard to point to a single place where Obama’s efforts have actually brought about peace.” Also, as the big tent democrats notes in a recent post in the blog, TalkLeft.com; Final thought - future headline "Nobel Peace Prize Winner Escalates War in Afghanistan."

The Times of London, is right! The Nobel committee has made a mockery of the award.

I agree with President Barack Obama's comments below.



Candidly, I would like to see our President outreach into communities like New Orleans here in the US of A and attempt to curb black on black gun violence, tasering of Americans by police and gun proliferation in America, particularly in the African American communities. Then he would be a Nobel Peace Prize winner of the caliber of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Until then, This Prize is nothing more than the first "Race-Card Nobel Peace Prize."

Yes, Praise and skepticism has greeted Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

Listen to my ‎ opinion and other black folks opinions on whether Obama's Nobel Peace Prize - is deserved or not...

You know, I could be right.