Hey folks,
Just stumbled across this incredible video done by Will.I.Am Of the Black Eye Peas. Check this we site below.
PEACE!
www.yeswecansong.com
Friday, February 1, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
So here’s the scoop…
I am getting very tired of the political spin. The Clintons are still running an ugly campaign (win at any cost even if it mean race baiting, bullying and dragging the 1st potential white women president over the finish line by her husband).
The Black establishment is still crazy. The latest is that Maxine Waters has endorsed Clinton. I don't think Waters’ endorsement means much. The Black establishment for the most part has not supported Obama to begin with and the masses still came out for him. Forget the Black establishment! It obvious they have been bought and sold.
The one bright spot has been Toni Morrison. She finally endorsed Obama! Hope “Big Willie” as the 1st Black president will be put to bed.
Obama won big in South Carolina. He also picked-up the endorsement of Ted & Caroline Kennedy. That stump speech by old man Kennedy at American University was one for the ages! All I have to say is bring it!
Now that Edwards has dropped out hopefully Obama can pick-up some more supporters.
Yes this race is getting exciting. With blogs, 24 hour political coverage on cable television and talk radio it hard to stay away from it. I just hope I can continue to keep-up.
The Black establishment is still crazy. The latest is that Maxine Waters has endorsed Clinton. I don't think Waters’ endorsement means much. The Black establishment for the most part has not supported Obama to begin with and the masses still came out for him. Forget the Black establishment! It obvious they have been bought and sold.
The one bright spot has been Toni Morrison. She finally endorsed Obama! Hope “Big Willie” as the 1st Black president will be put to bed.
Obama won big in South Carolina. He also picked-up the endorsement of Ted & Caroline Kennedy. That stump speech by old man Kennedy at American University was one for the ages! All I have to say is bring it!
Now that Edwards has dropped out hopefully Obama can pick-up some more supporters.
Yes this race is getting exciting. With blogs, 24 hour political coverage on cable television and talk radio it hard to stay away from it. I just hope I can continue to keep-up.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Time to target the old guard?
Big Willie has arrogantly stated to reporters today that people need to ask John Lewis and Andrew Young if he is racist. The personal attacks on Obama and the general denigration of Black women to validate whether someone is a brother (Bill has slept with more Black women then Obama) is outrageous. Does anything insult us?
Bill Clinton Unloads on Press
By Anne E. Kornblut
Former president Bill Clinton lashed out in response to criticism on Wednesday from a prominent Democrat in South Carolina, accusing the Obama campaign of running a political smear campaign against him through the media.
"You live for this," Clinton snapped at CNN reporter Jessica Yellin when she asked him to comment on statements by Dick Harpootlian, the former South Carolina Democratic party chairman, who said recent distortions by the Clintons are "reprehensible."
Harpootlian, who backed the Clintons in the 1990s and now supports Sen. Barack Obama, had compared Clinton's distortions to the dirty tricks campaigns run by the infamous Republican operative Lee Atwater.
After an event on Wednesday in South Carolina, Yellin approached the former president and asked him to respond to Harpootlian's remarks. Clinton let loose on camera, chastising the reporter for asking him about political conflict rather than the substance of the meeting he had just held. "You're asking me about this, you sat through this whole meeting. Not one single, solitary soul asked about any of this. And they never do."
Referring to the Obama campaign, Clinton said: "They are feeding you this because they know this is what you want to cover." As Clinton's aides tried to steer him out the door, he continued to scold back in Yellin's direction: "Shame on you."
The outburst came as the Clinton campaign aired a new radio ad in South Carolina juxtaposing Obama's statement about Ronald Reagan's having had ideas against a list of Republican ideas - implying that Obama was praising Reagan. Harpootlian spoke out against the ad, saying in an interview with the Washington Post that it "is a lie."
"The politics of deception that they have been practicing remind me of Lee Atwater's campaigns here," Harpootlian said. "What we're seeing here is a pattern: It began with the so-called accidental statement by Shaheen about drug use, and then we see Robert Johnson up on the stage with her and they don't decry it. This is hardball politics and apparently this is the way they play ball in Arkansas.
Here's the full text of the Clinton response, according to a CNN transcript:
"I never heard a word of public complaint when Mr. Obama said Hillary was not truthful, no character, was poll-driven. He had more pollsters than she did.
"When he put out a hit job on me at the same time he called her the senator from Punjab, I never said a word. And I don't care about it today. I'm not upset about it.
"The only thing I pointed out was that there was substantially no difference in her record and his on Iraq, and that he had said in 2004 there was no difference between his position and President Bush. And he said that was somehow dishonest, but he never answers how it's not accurate. So this is crazy.
"This rhetoric is getting a little carried away here. And let me remind you, my ultimate answer is this -- there are still two people around who marched with Martin Luther King and risked their lives, John Lewis and Reverend Andrew Young. They both said that Hillary was right and the people who attacked her were wrong, and that she did not play the race card, but they did.
"So I don't have to defend myself from Dick Harpootlian. I will just refer you to John Lewis and Andrew Young. And let him go get in an argument with them about it.
"Let him go get in an argument with Dolores Huerta, one of the founders of Farm Workers, against what happened in Nevada. There is a fact here -- this is almost like once you accuse somebody of racism or bigotry, or something, the facts become irrelevant. There are facts here.
"And the final thing I would like to say is, you're asking me about this, and you sat through this whole meeting. Not one single, solitary soul asked about any of this. And they never do. They are feeding you this because they know this is what you want to cover. This is what you live for. But this hurts the people of South Carolina, because the people of South Carolina are coming to these meetings and asking questions about what they care about. And what they care about is not going to be in the news coverage tonight because you don't care about it. What you care about is this. And the Obama people know that. So they just spin you up on this and you happily go along."
Bill Clinton Unloads on Press
By Anne E. Kornblut
Former president Bill Clinton lashed out in response to criticism on Wednesday from a prominent Democrat in South Carolina, accusing the Obama campaign of running a political smear campaign against him through the media.
"You live for this," Clinton snapped at CNN reporter Jessica Yellin when she asked him to comment on statements by Dick Harpootlian, the former South Carolina Democratic party chairman, who said recent distortions by the Clintons are "reprehensible."
Harpootlian, who backed the Clintons in the 1990s and now supports Sen. Barack Obama, had compared Clinton's distortions to the dirty tricks campaigns run by the infamous Republican operative Lee Atwater.
After an event on Wednesday in South Carolina, Yellin approached the former president and asked him to respond to Harpootlian's remarks. Clinton let loose on camera, chastising the reporter for asking him about political conflict rather than the substance of the meeting he had just held. "You're asking me about this, you sat through this whole meeting. Not one single, solitary soul asked about any of this. And they never do."
Referring to the Obama campaign, Clinton said: "They are feeding you this because they know this is what you want to cover." As Clinton's aides tried to steer him out the door, he continued to scold back in Yellin's direction: "Shame on you."
The outburst came as the Clinton campaign aired a new radio ad in South Carolina juxtaposing Obama's statement about Ronald Reagan's having had ideas against a list of Republican ideas - implying that Obama was praising Reagan. Harpootlian spoke out against the ad, saying in an interview with the Washington Post that it "is a lie."
"The politics of deception that they have been practicing remind me of Lee Atwater's campaigns here," Harpootlian said. "What we're seeing here is a pattern: It began with the so-called accidental statement by Shaheen about drug use, and then we see Robert Johnson up on the stage with her and they don't decry it. This is hardball politics and apparently this is the way they play ball in Arkansas.
Here's the full text of the Clinton response, according to a CNN transcript:
"I never heard a word of public complaint when Mr. Obama said Hillary was not truthful, no character, was poll-driven. He had more pollsters than she did.
"When he put out a hit job on me at the same time he called her the senator from Punjab, I never said a word. And I don't care about it today. I'm not upset about it.
"The only thing I pointed out was that there was substantially no difference in her record and his on Iraq, and that he had said in 2004 there was no difference between his position and President Bush. And he said that was somehow dishonest, but he never answers how it's not accurate. So this is crazy.
"This rhetoric is getting a little carried away here. And let me remind you, my ultimate answer is this -- there are still two people around who marched with Martin Luther King and risked their lives, John Lewis and Reverend Andrew Young. They both said that Hillary was right and the people who attacked her were wrong, and that she did not play the race card, but they did.
"So I don't have to defend myself from Dick Harpootlian. I will just refer you to John Lewis and Andrew Young. And let him go get in an argument with them about it.
"Let him go get in an argument with Dolores Huerta, one of the founders of Farm Workers, against what happened in Nevada. There is a fact here -- this is almost like once you accuse somebody of racism or bigotry, or something, the facts become irrelevant. There are facts here.
"And the final thing I would like to say is, you're asking me about this, and you sat through this whole meeting. Not one single, solitary soul asked about any of this. And they never do. They are feeding you this because they know this is what you want to cover. This is what you live for. But this hurts the people of South Carolina, because the people of South Carolina are coming to these meetings and asking questions about what they care about. And what they care about is not going to be in the news coverage tonight because you don't care about it. What you care about is this. And the Obama people know that. So they just spin you up on this and you happily go along."
My People, My people…
My People, My people…
Black folks, what the hell is going on? Tavis Smiley, what’s with all the hate? In my opinion the tension that Obama is feeling around race during this election is that he is running for the president of United States not solely the president of Black folks. There is a fine line he has to walk to be electable (i.e. can’t be the scary Black man, might turn-off white voters). Even if he paid lip service to Black folks cutting issues specifically to race it wouldn’t mean anything. There are many people who talk a good game but do nothing! That’s why Clinton can be the first Black president (NAFTA, welfare reform, etc…). I am more concerned about the concrete. What have you actually done?
Let me say upfront that electoral politics will not save folks, it’s just a tool. Nor do I believe any Black politician can be “a hope to die Negro”. Politics won’t allow it. But I do believe Black folks have to expand their notion of what leadership is. That not all so called Black leaders are rhyming preachers that just march. This is not the 6o’s, it time to allow that next generation to move the issues. Our access to political power does not always have to come through white intermediaries. We have got to be smarter about that.
Let me also be clear that Obama is not some token Negro without any track record or base. I believe black folks outside of Illinois were weary because he just didn’t have the name recognition and / or they didn’t want to “throw their vote away” on someone who couldn’t win. Now that he has had great showings in Iowa / New Hampshire and has demonstrated that he can give Clinton a run for her money the masses are rallying behind him (later for the Negro establishment). At the end of the day I have way more confidence in a Black man married to a strong Black women to use the office of president to help support my issues that any textbook white liberal.
Peace!
LaVida
P.S. Below I have included a link to a commentary that Tavis Smiley did yesterday on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. It distorts statements Obama made about Ronald Reagan & does not address at all similar statements made by his white counterparts (especially Bill and Hilary Clinton). I am working on a piece right now that examines Black leadership and the role prominent African American talking heads, politicians and celebrities (including Bob Johnson, Andrew Young, Tavis Smiley, Magic Johnson, etc…) are playing during this primary election.
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/sayitloud/smiley
Black folks, what the hell is going on? Tavis Smiley, what’s with all the hate? In my opinion the tension that Obama is feeling around race during this election is that he is running for the president of United States not solely the president of Black folks. There is a fine line he has to walk to be electable (i.e. can’t be the scary Black man, might turn-off white voters). Even if he paid lip service to Black folks cutting issues specifically to race it wouldn’t mean anything. There are many people who talk a good game but do nothing! That’s why Clinton can be the first Black president (NAFTA, welfare reform, etc…). I am more concerned about the concrete. What have you actually done?
Let me say upfront that electoral politics will not save folks, it’s just a tool. Nor do I believe any Black politician can be “a hope to die Negro”. Politics won’t allow it. But I do believe Black folks have to expand their notion of what leadership is. That not all so called Black leaders are rhyming preachers that just march. This is not the 6o’s, it time to allow that next generation to move the issues. Our access to political power does not always have to come through white intermediaries. We have got to be smarter about that.
Let me also be clear that Obama is not some token Negro without any track record or base. I believe black folks outside of Illinois were weary because he just didn’t have the name recognition and / or they didn’t want to “throw their vote away” on someone who couldn’t win. Now that he has had great showings in Iowa / New Hampshire and has demonstrated that he can give Clinton a run for her money the masses are rallying behind him (later for the Negro establishment). At the end of the day I have way more confidence in a Black man married to a strong Black women to use the office of president to help support my issues that any textbook white liberal.
Peace!
LaVida
P.S. Below I have included a link to a commentary that Tavis Smiley did yesterday on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. It distorts statements Obama made about Ronald Reagan & does not address at all similar statements made by his white counterparts (especially Bill and Hilary Clinton). I am working on a piece right now that examines Black leadership and the role prominent African American talking heads, politicians and celebrities (including Bob Johnson, Andrew Young, Tavis Smiley, Magic Johnson, etc…) are playing during this primary election.
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/sayitloud/smiley
Monday, January 21, 2008
Democratic Debate
Well the debate in SC just ended and Obama finally came out swinging! It was about time this Black man handled his business. I know he has to be the non-threatening Negro in order to be elected, but it felt good to see him check folks! While Edwards made a good showing, Obama won! Hillary was called on her stuff and this time she didn't have her husband to fight her battle. It is inappropriate for former president Clinton to actively and aggressively go after Obama.
The Clintons will do anything to get elected including race baiting and unfairly ganging-up on the competition. Who the hell is running anyway!?! Maybe this will end Black folk obsession with the Clinton. I hope the white boy keeps clowning and clear-up any confusion on whether he was really the 1st Black president.
Hillary is over selling her experience. Is she claiming her 8 years as 1st lady? Wow I didn’t know that the president’s spouse sat in on policy meeting and participated in decision making. Last I checked she is a 2nd term Senator from a state she didn’t even live in. I am also sick of this white woman playing the gender card while simultaneously trading-on white male patriarchy (Her husband big Willie). Is it me but don’t you think having you husband fight your battles is a little un-feminist?
If I continue to hear this stupid dichotomy between the 1st women or Black president I will scream. No one is honoring the intersection of race and gender. I am not a colorless woman or a genderless Black person. I am very much so sitting here in my Black woman body. It reminds me of the book “When all the women are white and all the Blacks are men but some of us are brave!”
Bottom line Hillary cannot win in the general election! If she gets the democratic nomination we will be saying hello president McCain.
The Clintons will do anything to get elected including race baiting and unfairly ganging-up on the competition. Who the hell is running anyway!?! Maybe this will end Black folk obsession with the Clinton. I hope the white boy keeps clowning and clear-up any confusion on whether he was really the 1st Black president.
Hillary is over selling her experience. Is she claiming her 8 years as 1st lady? Wow I didn’t know that the president’s spouse sat in on policy meeting and participated in decision making. Last I checked she is a 2nd term Senator from a state she didn’t even live in. I am also sick of this white woman playing the gender card while simultaneously trading-on white male patriarchy (Her husband big Willie). Is it me but don’t you think having you husband fight your battles is a little un-feminist?
If I continue to hear this stupid dichotomy between the 1st women or Black president I will scream. No one is honoring the intersection of race and gender. I am not a colorless woman or a genderless Black person. I am very much so sitting here in my Black woman body. It reminds me of the book “When all the women are white and all the Blacks are men but some of us are brave!”
Bottom line Hillary cannot win in the general election! If she gets the democratic nomination we will be saying hello president McCain.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Welcome to my blog!
Hello, my name is LaVida Davis and I am a community organizer and trainer. I am also the principal and founder of The Asha Group—a collective of Black women who work with community organizations and individuals to confront the many issues facing our people (our website, www.theashagroup.com will be up soon). In addition to focusing on affordable housing and education issues, the Asha Group is currently heading-up an anti-violence organizing project that focuses on African American women on the south and west sides of Chicago.
Some of the most profound changes that have happened in this country’s history have been the result of everyday people deciding enough was enough. Whether in church basements, at kitchen tables or in school rooms, people have hammered out strategies to create a world that was better—fairer and safer for ourselves and our children.
The members of the Asha Group are the inheritors of these strategies. We are mothers and daughters, organizers and advocates, academics and students, everyday workers and professionals. We actively bring together folks that research and study problems facing our communities with folks on the frontlines who live with the problems and create the victories.
The Asha Group is also based on the principal that the best way to build capacity is to create a place where theory and practice meet—where an analysis of class, race, gender and sexuality inform how we organize a campaign, cut an issue or engage the community.
It is my hope to use this blog to contribute to the larger “progressive / leftist” movement. As a women who is married with a 10 year-old daughter, a Black feminist and a person who holds the humanity and wellbeing of the entire Black community her primary goal, I have a lot to say.
I look forward to using this space to comment on local /national news stories (upcoming presidential elections, immigration, etc…) along with the many ways Black folks are represented in larger pop culture—music, books and sports. Yes I said sports! In my house, the husband, kid & I all have fantasy football teams and love baseball & basketball (GO BEARS, WHITES SOX, & BULLS!). I want to also send mad love to all women athletes (my kid plays fast pitch softball).
So there you have it. A little overview of me and what you can expect.
Until later…PEACE!
LaVida :)
Some of the most profound changes that have happened in this country’s history have been the result of everyday people deciding enough was enough. Whether in church basements, at kitchen tables or in school rooms, people have hammered out strategies to create a world that was better—fairer and safer for ourselves and our children.
The members of the Asha Group are the inheritors of these strategies. We are mothers and daughters, organizers and advocates, academics and students, everyday workers and professionals. We actively bring together folks that research and study problems facing our communities with folks on the frontlines who live with the problems and create the victories.
The Asha Group is also based on the principal that the best way to build capacity is to create a place where theory and practice meet—where an analysis of class, race, gender and sexuality inform how we organize a campaign, cut an issue or engage the community.
It is my hope to use this blog to contribute to the larger “progressive / leftist” movement. As a women who is married with a 10 year-old daughter, a Black feminist and a person who holds the humanity and wellbeing of the entire Black community her primary goal, I have a lot to say.
I look forward to using this space to comment on local /national news stories (upcoming presidential elections, immigration, etc…) along with the many ways Black folks are represented in larger pop culture—music, books and sports. Yes I said sports! In my house, the husband, kid & I all have fantasy football teams and love baseball & basketball (GO BEARS, WHITES SOX, & BULLS!). I want to also send mad love to all women athletes (my kid plays fast pitch softball).
So there you have it. A little overview of me and what you can expect.
Until later…PEACE!
LaVida :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
