Dr. Philip Zimbardo: Why Most Men Are Complete Losers
Obama sent his regrets in a letter: "In the final stretch, I will be on the campaign trail everyday in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly with voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum such as affordable health care, housing, economic opportunity, civil rights and foreign policy. I am committed to touching every voter, and working to earn their vote."Smiley is being raked over the coals and "catching hell" for criticizing Obama and turning down Michelle Obama as a surrogate.
Essence.com contributor Roland Martin supports Obama's decision not to go. Martin offered this excuse: "He can't be defined again as the black candidate. Some will say he must avoid black folks to be more palatable to whites and Hispanics. I disagree. But you can't deny the reality that he's running for president of the United States and not president of Black America. The week of the South Carolina was all about race, and he knows that is not a winning discussion because of this nation's history."
Martin added: "His campaign successfully beat back that issue since South Carolina, winning nearly all-white states like Utah, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Delaware, Connecticut, and Nebraska. Obama is looking to have mass appeal, and showing up in New Orleans at a State of the Black Union event doesn't help him at all in a close race."
Obama and his supporters want to have it both ways. Blacks are obligated to support Obama out of racial pride. Those who support Hillary Clinton are race traitors, haters, Uncle Toms, crabs-in-a-barrel.
But Obama feels no obligation to show appreciation for the ones who have powered him to front-runner status in "the final stretch." Texas is right next door. How much time would it take out of his schedule to show up?
There's a political maxim that "you dance with the one who brung ya." Black voters brought Obama this far. If he is the Democratic nominee and wins in November, it will not be voters in "nearly all-white states" who bring him over the finish line.
Comments: (1097)
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By: My 2 Cents on 3/17/2008 1:34PM
It's too bad he did not accept Michelle. She is quite impressive.
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By: Miss Wanda on 3/19/2008 4:12PM
This is a gathering to discuss the state of Black America. Regardless of him being a candidate for president, he is a prominent BLACK figure who should be concerned about the state of Black affairs in this country. To Blacklace- At least there is some sort of dialogue. Who supports whom is moot. There have been strides made,albeit small, but ANY change for the positive is good. It may take a little longer than expected.
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By: Maurice Moody on 4/10/2008 10:57AM
I admire and have great respect for Tavis, but he needs to lower the rhetoric or stop talking altogether if he can't use his words to support brother Barack. The vetting process is intense. Why does Tavis wish to add more unnecessary pressure on this young brother who is on the verge of making history. Robert Kennedy often stated, "Some men see things as they are and ask 'why'. I dream of things that never were and ask 'why not'." Barack, keep dreaming. America, keep dreaming, for a new day is coming.
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By: esquireone on 4/14/2008 5:39PM
Shame on you Tavis Smiley. He you go again showing how immature you are acting like a two year old. First, let me bring this back to another moment in time remember the Tavis Smiley and BET/Bob Johnson incident. Here , you have Bob Johnson the CEO/owner of BET. the person who allowed Tavis to stay in Los Angeles commute between DC and California. Image the insult of having your protegee run over to PBS with his pitch without allowing the mentor who put him in the game the right of first refusal. Then Tavis goes on Tom Joyner Show and blast Bob Johnson for selling to BET to Viamcom. Tavis is a want to be Micheal Eric Dyson and Dr. Cornell West. Grow up Tavis, go and sit under the teaching of a Dr. West before you again speak your opinion.
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By: NameWithheldforFearofRetribution on 5/05/2008 4:26AM
Was Clinton invited? If so, is she coming? If Clinton is not required to come and if she was not invited, why should Obama be required? I cannot believe the stupidity of forcing a candidate to come to State of the Black Union simply because his skin is dark while not bothering with Clinton.
What's the difference? Obama is a candidate who is half African and half European. So why should he be judged as a "black" man rather than as a "white" man? And shouldn't we be trying to address the issues of the so-called "black" community in an uplifting way, not
Furthermore, I would deign to say that any "black" who is attacking the only "black" candidate is a complete ignoramus. This might be the only time in the next 8-48 years that there is a viable "black" presidential candidate. Of course, Sharpton doesn't count. Even _I_ wouldn't vote for that rabblerouser.
Secondly, Obama is about change, and that is what the "black" community needs. It needs "black" men out of prison, "black" men teaching at the University and running U.S., U.K. and European businesses. What would Obama, Clinton or McCain do about that? Obama has shown that he will talk about ALL sides of issues. That means talking to Iran/Iraq/Columbia and thereby preventing the U.S. from sending more "black" and Hispanic youth to die needlessly in countries that hate them. He has refused to be a war-monger and has refused to show outward signs of patriotism, but instead, shows his patriotism by designing a plan to rebuid OUR American dream to include economic prosperity for ALL of us, including "blacks" and Hispanics. He intends to talk to the "black" community and provideg them with some real (not gas-tax-fictionalized) benefits and assistance.
Clinton will talk talk talk, offer fake benefits just to get elected. Instead of showing patriotism by setting good policies that encourage American values of freedom, equality for all races/creeds/religion, and economic prosperity, Clinton will demand a fake-ass display of a flag pin as symbol of patriotism and warmonger against both innocent and angry Iranians (70% of whom are against their government, but afraid for their lives to speak out against it!) After election, she would pander to the majority and cut the benefits, just like she changed her position on the war in Iraq. She'll later say her statement was a misspeak or an accident, and finally...laughing all the way to her next election... economically blow up all "blacks" and literally blow up all the Iranians.
McCain would ignore the "black" community totally. McCain would not promise anything to "blacks" or Hispanics, and he also won't deliver anything... except more wars to send "black" and "Hispanic" youth to fight and die! Instead of becoming anti-war, his terrible Vietnam experience developed the negative side of him: he is a warmonger. And the formula of wars+prison+no ecnomic opportunity=quiet genocide against the "black" community. And it's a sign of what's to come for the next minority on his list: Hispanics. Many (not all, of course) have hatred against "blacks", and almost none will lift a finger to help against McCain and Clinton. But when they see that the "blacks" are mostly dead, and McCain and his successors need fresh, "worthless" bodies to fuel the war machine... they will not look towards Asians, because they have more money and don't rock the boat much (right now). They will grab up first the Mexicans and Cubans; the Puerto Ricans might not protest, seeing as how they are not yet on the list... but don't worry.. "black" and Mexican and Cuban blood won't provide enough fuel for the war machine after the genocide is complete.
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By: Scarlet on 10/12/2008 8:02AM
It seems like a few people are missing the message that Obama has been trying to get across... He is not running for President of Black America; he is running as President of the UNITED!! States of America. He is trying to spread a message of unity. How exactly is he supposed relay this message by suspending his campaign in key battleground states where he is to discuss the issues facing AMERICA'S economy; and instead attend the State of the Black Union address at such a critical time in the election process?? Yes he need the support of the black community, but it will take a lot more than just the black vote to get him in the white house; we can't do it alone even if every black person was to get out there and vote... He has to show his concern for all of America, not just Black America. Some people actually beleive that he should get in the white house, tend to the black communities and to hell with everybody else... How are we ever to progress as a race beyond this election if that were to happen..? What kind of future will our black children have in this country if this was the mind set he had...? Let the man get to the white house first before we start making demands of him. He is only ONE person; he can't possibly be at every scheduled event addressing every concern at everyone's beck and call! Michelle could have been just as productive. I love Tavis but I think he needs to get over himself on this one...
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By: Jerome E. Lowery on 10/20/2008 1:21PM
When October is over, there will be a November to remember. My name is Jerome E. Lowery and I have the t-shirt/ logo of the century. It is entitled "The November to Remember 2008".The(THE)on this logo is broke because America is broke, and I beleive Barrack Obama can fix it.This logo is non-politcal
which means everyone can wear them while voting.Historical, because the year 2008 holds the memory of the month of November clear as day.I created
the sloagan/design from the inspiration of President
to be Barrack Obama. My comment is:Mr. Obama needs to see the design he inspired.
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