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by Yvette Carnell
One rather unfortunate consequence of the Obama presidency is the infighting among black media types and intellectuals over who
owns the black narrative. In this battle, Melissa Harris-Perry fired the first shot back in 2009 when she deemed Dr. Cornel West and Tavis Smiley inconsequential by labeling them as the “soul patrol.” Now, in an interview with Diverse Magazine, Dr. West is calling Harris-Perry a “fake” and a “fraud.” And worse yet, the man who’s never run across a story he couldn’t use for his own ends – Rev. Al Sharpton-is getting in the mix to defend Harris-Perry’s honor.
Listen, I’m all about substance, but once I strip away all the accusations of who is a “fraud” and who is on a “soul patrol” tour, the facts don’t bode well for Mrs. Harris-Perry, and even less so for “Rev.” Al Sharpton.
Regarding Sharpton, no one can explain to me how a man without even as much as an undergraduate degree could have been invited to the White House to discuss education reform with the Secretary of Education. No one can explain to me how a man who was pushed predatory loans in the black community back in 2005 is now heralded as an activist. And no one has ever explained to me how a man who bucks his eyes as a means of inflection could ever have gotten a job as the host of an MSNBC show.
In a recent interview with theGrio, Sharpton said, “[w]ho rewarded Tavis Smiley with his show?… Tavis can have a show [and] that’s fine. But if Dr. [Harris] Perry [and] I have a show all of a sudden it’s some kind of a conspiracy theory?… black people are not that stupid.”
Nice try coupling his MSNBC gig with Harris-Perry’s new show, but I understand why Harris-Perry was rewarded her show. She’s an articulate upstart professor who sat in for Rachel Maddow before ascending at MSNBC. Say what you want about her, but she is smart and discerning. My issues with her have much more to do with how she uses her talents than whether or not she has any. Mr. Sharpton, on the other hand, is irrelevant. He is a bombastic distraction who chokes off progress in the black community by running interference for the White House.
His career may have begun with righteous indignation, but the role he now plays is vastly different. The imagery was breathtaking the day President Obama sent him and Ben Jealous outside in a blizzard to report back to the black community that the President didn’t have a black agenda. It was probably on that day that Sharpton decided to switch up his hustle, and play for the new team, Brand Obama, instead of the old team – the black community.
Which brings me to this outrageous analogy from Sharpton’s interview:
“This whole thing that I’m too close to the White House for a civil rights leader. Frederick Douglass had access to Abe Lincoln. Booker T. Washington had access to Teddy Roosevelt and Martin Luther King had access to John Kennedy to the degree that Kennedy told him the FBI was trying to do some things to Bayard Rustin and Jack Odell’s reputation. Andrew Young worked as the ambassador for Jimmy Carter. Jesse Jackson worked as an envoy for Bill Clinton.”
Sharpton is no Frederick Douglass. Sharpton is no Martin Luther King Jr. Those men went to the White House for one reason – to push a black agenda. They leveraged the energy in the black community to force the hand of the most powerful man in the free world, to move him on issues important to black people. They were the voice of the powerless. To the contrary, Sharpton has agreed to refrain from criticizing President Obama during his first term and, instead of speaking truth to power, shouts down anyone who would dare speak any truth to this President. Anyone who seeks to deconstruct the policies of this White House and discuss their impact on the African American community is vilified by Al Sharpton. Anytime anyone attempts to refocus the black community on how this president’s policies disproportionately impact the African American community, here comes Sharpton, all loud and unreasonable, distracting us all from what’s really important – the policies. And Melissa Harris-Perry also plays a role in insulating Obama from criticism, even going so far as to accuse white people who are no longer on the Obama bandwagon of being racists.
Name calling shouldn’t be a part of the discourse and we should all agree on that. President Obama has three years’ worth of policies that we should begin to home in on. But we can’t do that so long as Rev. Al Sharpton steps in to conflate and toss gasoline on any conversation that involves a critique of President Obama.
This isn’t about the “soul patrol” or who is and is not a “fraud”, it’s about President Obama’s policies. If only our black intellectual elite class and pseudo-activists could harness some of the energy they devote to public spectacles to dissecting Obama’s policies, we’d be ahead of the curve.
Sharpton will never play that role because he doesn’t have the capacity to do so, and that’s why he’s merely an irrelevant agitator. But from others within our community, I expect a bit more than “Black Intellectuals Gone Wild.”
Sadly, this all makes me wonder if we’ve elevated all the wrong people to positions of stature in the black community. Only time will tell.
Yvette Carnell is a former Capitol Hill and campaign staffer turned writer. She is currently an editor and contributor to Yourblackworld.
MotownMusicLvr
February 10, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Love Rev. Al and Melissa Harris Perry! Jealousy and envy don’t look good on Your Black World/Dr. Boyce or Cornel West. So sad people!
Mo
February 11, 2012 at 11:27 pm
You’re an idiot. Anyone who takes marching orders from a bootleg preacher with a perm deserves whatever they get.
LIZ
February 14, 2012 at 3:19 pm
I agree wholeheartly, she is BIAS and a supporter of ‘Hillary’ and the Great White Way of doing things.
This woman worships and follows the “Massa” she has No Respect for any Black that is NOT following the White Massa !! SAD woman.
Head is buried in promotion and respect for what White Folks say and do. SCARY!!
Ida
March 1, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Motown I agree with you. Actually I am almost ready to unsuscribe from Dr. Boykins… It seems as though he wants a lot of shock value. (money lol) There is an ad for Ann Coulter new book on this page. I do understand freedom of speech, but, this is like saying to KKK, please advertise with me.
Oliver Patterson
March 1, 2012 at 4:43 pm
The Yvette Carnell attack on Rev. Al Sharpton is assinine. She attacks Al for defending Dr. Melissa Perry, who she defends also. She then illogically supports Cornell who does not support Melissa Perry. Al’s support of working class & poor Black Americans stands in stark contrast to the $5,000.00 an hour poverty pimps who have sold Black America out.
Oliver Patterson
March 1, 2012 at 4:52 pm
The Yvette Carnell attack on Rev. Al Sharpton is silly and should not be taken seriously because it is illogical. She attacks Al for defending Dr. Melissa Perry, who she defends also. She then illogically supports Prof. Cornell West who does not support Melissa Perry. Al’s support of working class & poor Black Americans stands in stark contrast to the corporate Blacks who have sold out their to American greed.
Tim Eure
February 10, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Your characterization of Sharpton (which is a superb hatchet job) is unfair and unbalanced. Sharpton comes from the Black church tradition. So what, his only “credential” is possibly his preachers license? In his run for US Senate from NY, he ran a respectable and credible campaign. I think he does a great job in defending and articulating the point of view of rank-and-file Black Americans. In this sense, to his credit, he is not an “intellectual”.
If we are to take your “critique” seriously, you should also point out that West is quickly becoming a huge distraction and liability. He has no plan, no agenda, and no following. He is bug-eyed and erratic and simply draws attention to Tavis and himself.
West, as a leading intellectual, should have formulated an action plan to address to poverty. Organize smaller local and church credit unions to provide alternatives to predatory lending in the financial services sector. And where it the progressive political party that he should be building? In the tradition of DuBois and other activist intellectuals, he should be doing more. His energy is wasted blowing hot air all over the globe.
Karen R
February 10, 2012 at 3:41 pm
yvette,
how many marches have you lead? how many rocks and bottles have been thrown at you during marches? have many protest–boycotts have you lead? how many times have you been arrested due to civil rights? how many time were you stabbed? how many threats have you had on your life along with your family? how much hate mail do you receive? how many times have you ran for any office…not even talking about president of the US.
let me help you…NONE!!!!
therefore, rev al has done more in one day than you have in your entire life. lol
i do not agree with everything rev al has done in his life. but for you and that fool boyce to write these gasoline articles to create division among our people…is sad.
i’m sure fox news is watching and eventually you and boyce will get your own tv show to let the racist conservatives see how you divide our people for fame and wealth.
if you need a name, how about the willie lynch show!
Heru Ammen
February 10, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Wow, the hate and jealousy towards Sharpton in the above article is palpable. First and foremost Al was hired by MSNBC primarily because he had better than average ratings during his MSNBC guest hosting gig. MSNBC already had unfettered access to the President. The fact that Al does too probably played a small role in MSNBC’s decision to give Al a permanent seat. However it probably wasn’t the determining factor. BTW having/not having an undergraduate degree isn’t a requisite in the news/entertainment business. If you don’t believe me, just ask the racist piece of ish named Sean Hannity (college dropout, former bartender and construction worker) if it’s possible to get on show on a news channel without a degree.
Mo
February 11, 2012 at 11:28 pm
What in the world says that she’s jealous? Maybe Sharpton is jealous of her for being smarter than he is. Black people have to be more intelligent than thinking anyone who tells them the truth must be jealous. That’s ignorant rapper ish.
thegrid
February 13, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Thanks Heru and well said! I believe most of this is hater-ration for Sharpton, President Obama and Melissa Harris-Perry. Envy is insidious and rather than applaud our brothers and sisters for their achievements and bringing our race up, they stab one another in the back because they are resting on their laurels and spewing judgments because of the lack of achievement in their own lives. There are plenty of white commentators who have dropped out of school….it has nothing to do with intellect. Give me a break! They need to crawl in the hole they’ve dug if they don’t want to be progressive. And, another thing…..I am tired of hearing what Obama hasn’t done for blacks….he is not the president of blacks in America, he is the president for all of the people….as soon as everyone gets that through their thick skulls and realize that the man is not God and if he had some support from these racist a holes this country could on the move.
kerry
February 14, 2012 at 4:49 am
One day we’ll have a white president again who will help black people.
Ruby from NJ
March 1, 2012 at 5:35 pm
“One day we’ll have a white president who will care about black people”? This cannot be what you really believe. You’d probably like to spread some controversy. Well, I ain’t buyin’ it! Go back under your rock.
Carol Snow
February 10, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Well, regardless of what your thoughts are regarding Reverend and Melissa, they are still two successful Black figures that I think we can point to as examples for our young people…. they are consistent.. that babbling idiot academic elitist West, need to check that ego into an institution…. He is OV and irrelevant… he is only applauded in the Black academia elitist section… NEXT
thegrid
February 13, 2012 at 11:55 pm
Right Carol he is totally guided by EGO….EGO….EGO! I can’t stand his arrogance!
Kelly
February 10, 2012 at 4:10 pm
yvette, you are full of sh+t.
i agree with this gentleman, the news industry is more about entertainment..not how many degrees you have to your name.
michael dyson has a lot of education and hosted shows on msnbc with low ratings and was not very entertaining…so much for your education thought.
Tiffany
February 10, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Crabs in a bucket syndrome!!! While we hate on each other our people still suffer!!!!! I’m unliking this page, because this page is always trying to tell me how to think!!!!
LIZ
February 14, 2012 at 3:33 pm
@Tiffany– Please hang in here with this page and others. what the “Black” commumnity needs is a “SANE” voice like yours.
These people Yvette, Cornel, Tavis, can NOT be the only voices heard. They are managed minds of the White folks. keep speaking up– They try to and do belittle,degrade any Black because they do NOT worship the White Community as She Tavis & Cornel do, they Must be exposed. Keep speaking out and hopefully the “House Negroes” will learn that Most Blacks LEAD not Follow and wait on orders from ‘white folks” as she and her group do.
kerry
February 10, 2012 at 5:09 pm
These so called black leaders: Sharpton, Jealous, Jackson, National Urban League…have sold us out for their own personal fame and profit from their access to this mulatto President. Apparently, they couldn’t wait all these years for a moment to do so. “They will be known by their deeds.” Tavis & Dr. West advocate for the black community but have no direct access to the President as those “leaders” above but I’d imagine they are being heard in the White House via the media. Power to the people! And those other backstabbers should pay severely for their betrayal.
Beverly
February 10, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Sharpton has spent many, many years fighting against police brutality and other infractoins against the Black community. Anyone who tries to dismiss him as irrevelant is just jeolous. What has Cornell West done? How many marches has any of you lead. Stop hating
DPeace
February 10, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Criticism of the president or any civil rights leaders should not be deemed as “hate” or jealously. We as a community have to stop demonizing other people just because they have a different opinion and or question the motives of our so-called “black leaders”. A criticism of the president and his allies also does not mean you support fox news and conservatives. This is the ignorant mentality that keeps us in mental slavery.
P.S.- the questioning of Sharpton’s degree had nothing to do with his entertainment credentials but rather his ability to speak on education reform. Read the article people!
Mesha
February 10, 2012 at 7:41 pm
A person without a degree can speak on education reform IF they have acquired knowledge over the years, been in the trenches of our forgotten communities, passionate about seeing our (black) people progress and achieve academic success. They can contribute meaningfully to the process, sometimes better than those of us who claim we are educated. (I am not saying that Sharpton is such a person and deserves to be there, but merely saying that having a degree does not qualify one to be at the bargaining table).
Jwrtr 68
February 10, 2012 at 6:36 pm
I’m shocked that you, Yvette, would want Al Sharpton to be excluded from his platform(s) because he didn’t go to college. I don’t believe that Malcolm X went to college and yet he was the most dangerous activist this country has ever seen!!! That is an intellectualized attempt to extricate his points of view from the dialogue stage starring a plethora of conversations concerning the President, the black community and THE ENTIRE COUNTRY. Watkins, you, Tavis, Cornell and a few other ‘BIG NAMES’ are really drinking too much of your own Kool-Aid! If Obama were to start ‘favoring’ the black community do you realize what kind of attacks he would have to deal with, how much MORE he’d be undermined, accusations of seperatism, racism and the like…come on now. POTUS cannot marginalize himself like that and leave any kind of a legacy that anyone can really feel proud of(academic elitist to the common person). Reverse racism/discrimination and favoritism is the answer, really?!? When you, Tavis, Cornell and anybody talking about (or alluding to) how the President has failed America, can do the better job in his shoes then myself and millions of other AMERICANS will take you guys seriously. Y’all are straight trippin if you really want me to keep it one hunnit!!!
makar
February 11, 2012 at 10:26 am
Jwrtr 68… These people don’t care about your point… This is all about a “gotcha” moment for these folk! Most if them initially favored Hillary Clinton… I wasn’t until Iowa that any of them paid any attention to the President. Then they were all shocked by his meteoric rise. They are holding his feet to the fire now to validate their earlier lack of support. Your point makes way too much sense for the elitist black academic intelligentsia lead by West, Smiley, and now Boyce- Watkins. Sharpton has put his life on the line on many occasions. This president US getting death threats and these guys are still piling on. They won’t be satisfied until a republican is back in the White House. Then they can complain about that. The problem is it won’t be hurting them financially. It’s folk like you and I who will bear the brunt of the pain! You think its bad now… Just wait.
Michael
February 10, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Yvette, I love your article. As human beings we have the right to judge the deeds of a person no matter what the color of their skin is or who they are. Al Sharpton been lost creditbility with me when he was on 60 mins and said that he would never criticize Pres Obama, and I was disgusted with him on his MSNBC show when he was celebrating Pres Obama being successful for having Col Gaddafi killed. Al Sharpton is a MSM lpuppet and I don’t think he speaks for the best interest of our people. If Dr. King or Malcolm was alive today they would have undoubtedly questioned many of Pres Obama’s policies both home(high black unemployment, banker bailouts) and abroad(imperialist wars). We need to wake up and hold our leaders accountable.
I want to thank you Yvette and Dr. Watkins for making YBW an excellent black news site, and discussing issues that similar African American media outlets wouldn’t dare discuss.
Resa
February 11, 2012 at 2:37 am
I agree 100% with your comment. President Obama’s foreign policy is worst than the Bush adminitration. He appointed to his cabinet some of the same people who ran wall street, the same people responsible for the 09 meltdown. He soldout to the phamacuetical and insurance companies during the healthcare debate.
His tough talk on foreign policy is really distubing to me, for the simple fact he is very aware of the imperialism America and Europe that has oppressed people of color around the world. His willingness to spew European arrogant propaganda is beyond me. His wife and children went to S.Africa and met with Nelson Mandela, but he supports the Lukud Party government of Israels aparthied against the Palestinans. His support of NATO in their bombing of Libya was criminal. He knew from the beginning it was not a humanitarian mission but a regime change.
There is a lot of Black people are not educated on what’s really going on. There is more reasons than one for this. Religion, brainwashing are just a few. Wille Lynch is alive and well.
Whitney Evans
February 11, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Michael, with all due respect there is a difference between having an opinion and standing in judgement of another. The only judge of all human beings is God our Father. So, I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you meant that everyone has the right to their opinion. Unless you have walked in someone shoes then you or no one else could possibly know what, why, and how they act or react.
kerry
February 10, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Racist policies leaving blacks in higher unemployment, jails, homelessness and even drowning in their home town of Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina hit is what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King fought and won civil rights legislation against these horrible types of racism of black people. The struggle continues against racism. Abused people will defend the abuser. Oppressed people, if they know they are oppressed…will rise up again and the abused when they had enough if they hadn’t died from it. This time around oppression & abuse of power are simultaneously affecting the whole world peoples…white, black, race, nationality and religious preference by a “black” man. Stand up! Demand your dignity be restored. Do not let those who have died for our freedoms to let this exploitative racist regime tear us down more. Enough!
Monica
February 10, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Sometimes I read the comment sections of articles written to draw attention to Obama administration inconsistencies or to criticize his minions (in this case Harris-Perry and Sharpton) and I feel that I have stepped into the Twilight Zone. Are the majority of black people zombies now. Are we as guilty of groupthink as some segments of the Tea Party? Can’t you have an opinion contrary to the Obama soundbites and talking points without being a hater or a crab in a barrel?
Put down your video games, turn off Basketball Wives and The Real HouseWives of Atlanta and think about what’s going on in the world around you. Stop reading books by Steve Harvey. Stop relying on people like Sharpton, Harris-Perry, Smiley, West and the DNC, to direct your thinking.
makar
February 11, 2012 at 3:29 am
Sorry… Haven’t read Steve Harvey’s book. Don’t have a video game console… Sharpton, West, or Smiley do not speak/think for me. Yet I am going to vote for President Obama.
Mesha
February 10, 2012 at 7:37 pm
This is why WE get left behind as a PEOPLE. Two wrongs don’t make a right. The author should be ashamed of herself for getting in the middle of this disagreement and then call out Sharpton for doing the same. What’s the point anyway? At the end of the day, WE (intelligent people) know the contributions of Al Sharpton (though I disagree with him on some issues), but do not know anything about Cornel West (other than he is a “soul/funk brother” who speaks in his own language). We are too good of a people to continue promoting such division in our culture and efforts to gain equality and respect. The other side continues to laugh at us.
David2001
February 10, 2012 at 7:44 pm
I agree with Yvette Carnell 100%. If there is any hatchet job or character assassination being done it’s by Rev Al and his minions. Why would any sane thinking rational black person disagree with constructive criticism of this president or ANY presidential administration policies on BLACK people?
I support the president and will vote for him in 2012. None of these black critics, West, Smiley, Watkins, Carmell etc is asking this president to favor the black community or be a “BLACK” president for blacks only. IMO what these rational black people are saying is that President Obama is not treating black Americans the same way he’s treating other groups who have a agenda. Latinos, gays, middle class even white racist teabaggers would not be told to stop whining and complaining. To basically STFU. They would not be told a rising tide raises all boats to complains about high unemployment after giving the president 96% of their vote.
One thing is for certain. There wont be a black-face in the White House in 2016. What are Al Sharpton and all the black “don’t criticize the black president people” going to say then. Sharpton was a critic just like West and others before he was granted access to this president and the White House.
Tartbond
February 10, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Enough of the bickering people! There is a roll for all views in the black community. I am not a fan of Smiley and West but they have a roll in the black community. I am very proud of Melissa Harris-Perry and Rev Al. We need more people of color on the airways. Why be critical of Rev Als’s eucation. He is a willing passionate surrogate for President Obama and the poor. Being critical of Rev Al’s education is devisive and a cheap shot. What’s the point? We should be focused on re-electing President Obama. If you all pause listen to the rants by Newt, Santorum, Romney, and Paul you would realize that the most important discussion for us to have is to register people to vote so we can assure the first black President is re-elected. Nothing is more important. So please people stop the bickering and pettiness. Stop acting like jealous crabs in a barrel! Start mobilizing people to register to vote Democrat in 2012!
makar
February 11, 2012 at 3:20 am
Well said…
Tony
February 10, 2012 at 10:11 pm
All I have to say is this–Who the H*ll cares? Blacks folks need to make a plan and then work their plan. Stop pointing fingers and get to work… Rev Al, Dr. West and Mr. Travis all have jobs of their own, while the rest of us are seating around looking at who said what to whom. All these guys are doing is trying to keep themselves relevant for the next gig…
Egunje
February 11, 2012 at 1:48 am
First off, Yvette Carnell, Boyd Watkins, Tavis Smiley, and Cornell West, are nothing but empty barrels and porch monkeys. All these despicable talkatives do is verbally attack other black people who seem to be progressing in life.
Yvette, you are an intellectual midget to Mellisa Harris. Mrs. Harris is a bonafide black woman who over the years has spoken consitently in defence of black people and black interests. She is a defender of President Obama against the onslaught of white racists in this country. Rev Sharpton has stood up to bigots and has led protest marches against Police brutality and other anti black policies in both New York State and nationally. Who the hell are you? For the past 3 years, very bigoted and sick minded white people have launched all kinds of hate campaigns against President Obama simply because of who he is. Each passing day, the attacks against this President takes a more sinister and bizarre turn. Now, they are painting the President with gun shot wounds to his head, and in some cases, praying for his death.
Some bastards in the ever so confused black community rather than seeing this white madness as an assault on our humanity as black people, would rather acquiesce and rationalize their stupidity and ignorance in eloquent sophistry by explaining that that we are not monolithic, and that we cannot all be supporters of President Obama. And they keep wondering why they are the most abused, most scorned, most disrespected, and most victimized set of people in America, and elsewhere. Eternally confused are most blacks in America. Slavery sure did a number in the minds of majority of black people. This is why the likes of Yvette Carnell and her hopeless fans are still lost and gropping around in darkness.
What has Yvette Carnell done in any capacity to bring improvement to the life of any black person? What meaningful thing can Yvette Carnell point to as her accomplishment? The total nobody that she is in her obscure mind and perpetual jealousy cannot stand to see another more accomplished and more intelligent black woman or man rise. When another black person gets into the national spotlight, the crab headed Yvette becomes so angry like a sore loser that she is. To show how deranged Yvette Carnell is, she feels it is ok to bash the President at will, but has a problem when others support and defend the President. For a she-devil like Yvette, the President must be left open to atacks by any and all intolerant bastards with no one to come to his defence. I say to Yvette and other degenerates like her, keep wallowing in your dung, haters. Melissa Harris is winning, Rev. Al Sharpton is winning, common sense black people wit a sense of real unity and common purpose will one day prevail when nutcases, and devils like you are are ostracised and expunged from black communities. If it makes Yvette and her online trolls feel better, they should go to apply in Mississippi to be re-accepted as slaves.
Lynn
February 11, 2012 at 3:42 am
Dear Yvette,
I read the comments — the vitriol — spewing from some of the commenters (e.g. Egunje), and cringe. This commenter took pains to call you (and Watkins, West, Smiley) every name in the book, as well as demean and deny your inherent, God-given value and worth. All of this over Obama, and his defenders.
I’ve watched this kind of commenting — which would scream “Pathological” with a capital “P” but for the fact that the people who do it totally believe in their pathology, and their delusion that they are the most rational, sane faction in the black community — go on for years, since 2008 in fact, when it was all the rage on Black Voices.
All I can say is that I’m proud of your emergence on YBW, and your intelligent commentary. Go head with yourself! I also appreciate your courage in writing your piece, and making your voice heard. Your writing didn’t descend into name-calling and attacking, but made a valid point about policies. It is telling that no matter how much you, Dr. Boyce, or Dr. Leon keep pointing out that it’s about the policies toward black people, our own people keep turning into rabid attack dogs and on a rampage of vicious personal attacks.
To me, people like Egunje exemplify a profound schism in the collective psyche of black people that comes from an inability to separate substance from the superficial appearance of race. It’s important that we all see where we as a people are at this moment. What we would call out in a white political leader will never be addressed with a black leader like Obama because black people have profound identity issues, so much so that the color of Obama’s skin means a thousand times more than his actual intentions or actions towards the black community. This IS pathological: to protect a man from any and all valid critique because of the color of his skin, rather than the content of his political record/character. In the minds of some black people, his skin color trumps any and all value he offers to the black community, and this is both delusional and sad. But we need the lesson. Because maybe we need to begin to move beyond the outer appearances of people to discern those who are our friends, from those who are indifferent, from those who are our enemies. And maybe we as a people won’t be able to do that until we ourselves recognize how much we also have, in turn, become abjectly blinded and deluded by race…all to our own undoing.
LIZ
February 14, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@Egunje I agree this Yvette — LAWD– We can Pray for her TAVIS & CORNEL —
How long will these Jealous, Envious Rants, continue???
It’s been 3 years “Hillary” did not win and your Worship of white being the only voice to follow has become sickening.
Resa
February 11, 2012 at 2:57 am
I think this is a very good conversation for Black people to have. We all have opinions. I think we as Black people are all leaders because we have our vote, voice and economic power, we just don’t use it.
President Obama is a politician, let’s not forget that. It’s true that he has challenges with the Republican Party, but didn’t you know that was going to happen? They said it! The problem is the president tried to get their approval by compromising too many times. They got his number. They know they can punk him. He constantly gives in too them, but this is nothing new for the Democratic Party. The “First Black President”, Bill Clinton signed into law NAFTA and the Banking Deregulation Bills. Both these bills had a negative effect of Black people and he’s called the “First Black President”. President Carter reputation was destroyed by the Republicans and Democrats. So there is a history of the Republican Party having their way with a democratic president. The Democratic Party is weak, they don’t fight. They are the lesser of two evils that get the Black vote on a regular basis.
Know the issues to form an educated opinoin. Neither party has nor ever will have Black peoples best interest at heart. That’s our repsonibility. When we as a people stop being so easily divided and conquered, the better off we will be.
makar
February 11, 2012 at 3:12 am
All criticism considered. I am voting for Obama to get a second term. The elitist academic intelligentsia does not speak for me. I will consider their rhetoric, but I am not foolish enough to think for one moment that there is a better option! Furthermore, I am totally disgusted by Boyce-Watkins comment that he is not going to vote. His voice is diminished in my mind… Too many people marched fought and died to gain this right for us.
Sadehweh Jugbu
February 11, 2012 at 3:19 am
Please leave Perry and Sharpton alone. These people are great advocates for our people. The fact that they support President Obama does not delegitimize the years of work that they have invested in the black struggle. MSNBC, as you may be aware, is a profit making entity. They do not reward people with TV shows because of their loyalty to anyone. Their sole motivation is profit. They have concluded that Perry and Sharpton will draw more viewers than you and your friends. If you have good ideas to uplift the black community, please implement them. I am sure such an enterprise would be judge on it’s merits. You do not have to wait for an invitation to the White House in order to put forward your “grand plans” for the empowerment of black people. Sharton may not have the collection of degrees that others may have but his contribution to this society out shines those of many many so called “educated” people.
Myrna Symes
February 11, 2012 at 3:47 am
I totally agree with Makar, pay attention to the facts and vote according to
your own views.
Victoria Brown
February 11, 2012 at 3:53 am
In James Baldwin’s writings, the first paragraph of a piece titled “from Nationalism, Colonialism, and the United States: One Minute to Twelve – A Forum,” which is a transcript of a 1961 speech the 36 year old Baldwin gave in New York for the Liberation Committee for Africa:
Bobby Kennedy recently made me the soul-stirring promise that one day – thirty years, if I’m lucky – I can be President too. It never entered this boy’s mind, I suppose – it has not entered the country’s mind yet – that perhaps I wouldn’t want to be. And in any case, what really exercises my mind is not this hypothetical day on which some other Negro “first” will become the first Negro President. What I am really curious about is just what kind of country he’ll be President of.
Becca
February 11, 2012 at 3:57 am
Al Sharpton and Melissa Harris-Perry are my favorites on MSNBC. I am proud of both.
HC999
February 11, 2012 at 3:59 am
February 11,2012
Yvette,girl- you really need a reality check. It appears to me that you are playing minion to your
esteemed Dr. Boyce Watkins. I think that he has you
carrying the water that he intellectually is incapable
of carrying for himself-PhD not withstanding.
DaTruth
February 11, 2012 at 4:23 am
Yvette:
Brilliant article! I concur 100%. Sharpton is foolish to equate himself & his dubious efforts with those of Frederick Douglass, A. Philip Randolph, & Dr. King who were all TRUE advocates of the ppl. Their interactions w. past presidents were meant to further the agendas of the poor & powerless; to push, prod, pressure, & yes CRITICIZE the president in order that he take their demands seriously & address the needs of the powerless. “Power concedes nothing w/o a fight”. It seems to me that Sharpton & his cohorts on The Left serve the same purpose as Limbaugh & his cohorts on The Right. They are all being paid handsomely (they ea. do pr every day for their respective parties) to push agendas that benefit only those in power & to brainwash us into remaining silent & following their programs; which means not questioning or dissenting against administrations whose policies / actions do not serve our interests. They are all being used as smoke screens to hide the real issues from us as they profit & further their own personal agendas. I find them all despicable whether on The Right or The Left. I’m no fan of either nor of this president, who has duped us into thinking that he has our back because he is black & can sing an Al Green song!
makar
February 11, 2012 at 2:49 pm
SMH… This rhetoric is ridiculous! There is an emptiness to your monologue. What we have is this system and this president. To sit on your perch and pontificate as you have smells of more elitist nonsense. The question is this… are you a voter or not? If not who cares what you think? You obviously have the right to vote whatever way you want, Obama’s my choice how about you? I know that the other party could not care less about my well being!! Also.. Al Sharpton has stuck his neck out many times for the causes of black and ethnically disadvantaged people. He has made some mistakes but his resume is long. Limbaugh has never done anything but play to a majority who have made him a lot of money. If black people were the majority he would be championing our cause, believe me! I certainly hope you are involved and part of the process. Doing nothing but running your mouth about how bad both parties are is benign dung.
Egunje
February 11, 2012 at 6:15 pm
Makar and Diann, you guys have said it best. Yvette, Watkins, West, and Smiley are among the biggest embarrassment black America has witnessed in recent times. Typical barnyard negroes with their flippant mentality as demonstrated by that empty barrel Yvette Carnel who questions Rev. Sharpton’s academic achievements. What has she achieved? What has she accomplished that is worth mentioning?
Since these divisive and treacherous clowns delight in tearing down the President ahead of 2012 elections, what options are they offering black people come November? This is where their so called ‘intelligence’ ends. If President Obama is so bad for black people, who then in the Republican field is good for black people. Keep in mind that these fools are not offering anything else other than political intervention in addressing our problems. If the Republican then totally control the political arena where laws are made, enforced, repealled, etc, do these unthinking pricks believe black people will be better served?
Already, these republicans are disenfranching minorities. These same people are taking shot at affirmative action, social security, and a host of other social programs that blacks derive some benefits from or depend on to a large extent. Some of the confused congregational members of the confucious temple of Cornell West are quick to argue that they unhappy with President Obama’s policies. When asked to specifically mention those policies that irks them so much, some amuse me by mentioning their dislike for President Obama’s foreign policies. Can you imagine that? A black person angry about the administration’s foreign policy as if most of them have ventured out of the shores of America or lived a month in a foreign country. Yet, others can’t even identify the policies of President Obama that they disapprove of other than the general nonsense that he has not done much for black people.
The question these dunces need to asked themselves is this, since way back when black people have had their own members of congress represent them for donkey years, has lot of black people changed? If black communities have not fared well despite years of having black people represent them in congress, in counties, in school boards, what then gives anyone the idea that one man (President) Obama being democratically elected, can wave the magic wand, or adopt authocratic powers to change the plight of black people?
The pschosis currently afflicting many anti Obama blacks is exactly that..derangement. For decades, they’ve done nothing to position themselves towards a better reality. Some of our real bonafide intellectuals like Late Dr. Amos Wilson preached relentlessly over 30 years ago for our need to wake up and channel our energies into developing our own educational systems, our own healthcare systems, building our economic base, building our industries, etc, in order to create a more even playing field through the power of economics rather the over-reliance on a racist system to save us. Late Dr. Henrik Clarke, and Dr. Van Sertima, Dr. Ben, and other illustrous African sons and intellectual giants of their time, tried to warn and steer us in a self sufficient and cooperative path. We failed to listen.
Today, caricature pseudo intellectuals like the eccentric and unstable Cornell West, and his lost foot soldiers like Boyce Watkins, Yvette Carnell, and co, are left to run their loose mouths in social networks and other mediocre outlets that grants them their usual 2 minute audience of shame to spew their intellectual dwarfism. Despicable humans and great dishonor to black race!!!!
Diann Kirby
February 11, 2012 at 4:26 am
Yvette, I wish you had half the brains and courage of Melissa, Al, and President Obama. I also wish you had the moral fortitude to stop doing the bidding for white Republican conservatives by trying to defile our great black leaders and divide our people. You, Boyce, West, and Smiley would stoop to any level to get your 15 minutes of fame and collect those checks from ‘the man’. Shame on you and all those idiots that listen to anything you have to say. God don’t like ugly and you will surely be punished for the despicable things that you are saying the awful things you are trying to do to our people. May God NOT have mercy on you and your kind.
Louis
February 11, 2012 at 4:30 am
I would prefer to hear from the real unsung heros…. those cummunity folks who do the real work protesting inferior schools, lack of food banks, black on black crime, homelessness and unemployment. At the end of the day, all the intellectuals will have their tenure positions and MSNBC.
DaTruth
February 11, 2012 at 4:34 am
Yvette:
Brilliant article! I concur 100%. Sharpton is foolish to equate himself & his dubious efforts with those of Frederick Douglass, A. Philip Randolph, & Dr. King who were all TRUE advocates of the ppl. Their interactions w. past presidents were meant to further the agendas of the poor & powerless; to push, prod, pressure, & yes CRITICIZE the president in order that he take their demands seriously & address the needs of the powerless. “Power concedes nothing w/o a fight”. It seems to me that Sharpton & his cohorts on The Left serve the same purpose as Limbaugh & his cohorts on The Right. They are all being paid handsomely (they ea. do pr every day for their respective parties) to push agendas that benefit only those in power & to brainwash us into remaining silent & following their programs; which means not questioning or dissenting against administrations whose policies / actions do not serve our interests. They are all being used as smoke screens to hide the real issues from us as they profit & further their own personal agendas. I find them all despicable whether on The Right or The Left. I’m no fan of either or of this president, who has duped us into thinking that he has our back because he is black & can sing an Al Green song!
Jamaal
February 11, 2012 at 4:52 am
Reading these comments confirms the fact that many AA’s are just not on point when it comes to the facts. Support for many things and people are based on emotionalism and usually not one shred of facts.
I recall not too long ago Mr.Sharpton criticizing corporate giants and the media now he’s working for them. And of course when you work for such an entity, you have to speak their language, not your own. MSNBC does not give a damn about the black community.
It’s great to see Al, Melissa and all the other advance their careers, after all, we gotta eat. History has shown that black folk i high places have and are being used as conduits to deliver self serving ideas, products, services and most importantly MESSAGES to the masses.
One of the easiest and most successful strategies in the book is to use blacks to control blacks. I think back in the day the term was house negro.
Now, don’t get it twisted, I’m not calling anyone a house negro, I’m just saying…
Joan
February 11, 2012 at 4:55 am
Rev Al is a knowledgeable and great man. He can discuss issues with the man on the street and articulately dress down Newt Gingrich. He has his hand on the pulse of his people…which you don’t seem to have. Two thumbs up for Melissa Harris-Perry too!
(What’s wrong with you?)
theprovider
February 11, 2012 at 5:51 am
Ms you are the pseudo elitist and your envy like that of Dr West and Mr smiley has put a drain on thinking capacity for the past 3 year What will you being saying about the President, Rev. Sharpton and Mrs Harris after the Presidents next term?
Jakada Zo
February 11, 2012 at 2:24 pm
When will we stop, take a deep breath and let the works scope and projection of the personality prove whether it’s working for the Africans in America. What am I saying, simply how have Africans in America advanced on today’s “Commercial Plantation” by the parties who claim they speak for the Africans in America’s struggle? The answer to this question will shut down the non-sense for good. A side by side analysis of the deeds accomplished will settle the debate for all times to come. Additionally, if our struggle is to be on par with our European American brethren then leave me out. It is clear that their plan is not working for them as a whole, and has never produced anything but a ball of confusion. Let the historical record speak, its not hard to find. We need analytical thinkers, researchers, and true spiritual advisers to fix our truly damaged tree. Until that happens we will be left with gossip type analysis which empowers no one.
One Love
Jakada, TF
Jakada Zo
February 11, 2012 at 2:37 pm
One last word on the subject. Anyone who has not studied the origins and purpose for the creation of the American political system with a forensic zeal, is caught up in debating hearsay not historical fact. Only when you know the origins of something can you determine its true purpose and intent. Havent people heard the courts speak of “original intent” when it comes to its private treaty and commercial contract called the Constitution? In closing I shall leave the following:
” In politics and religion, people’s beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at secondhand, and without examination from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue, but have taken them at secondhand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing. Mark Twain
Come on people lets put the emotions to the side and start being true examiners of what is ailing us, only then will salvation come.
One Love
Jakada, TF
misslee
February 11, 2012 at 6:22 pm
We as black people should stop attacking each other and stand together and put our president back in office .we are acting like crabs in a barrel can’t stand to see anyone get ahead some are pistoff because they were not invited to the whitehouse and al sharpen was. please put aside those little spats and help rejected Brock Obama because you see what the republicans plans areto stop everything that we have now and put us in the worse position possible since when you will have to take a drug test to get your social security, welfair check and even unemployment check but that’s what the republicans want to do local and state wide you have the power to stop them get the hello out and vote democratic but as I said that’s your choice.
Oren Elow
February 11, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Where are our black leaders? It’s a shame there are none left! Black people are giving up on black people; thus, where does that leave us?
Aisha Mock
February 11, 2012 at 7:17 pm
That is why all of this is silly and damaging: everyone wants to pick a side! If the two are them are smart and at least somewhat effective, why do they have to get in each others’ way by attacking the other person’s character!? Both of them need to focus on their own jobs! We need people who will fight for the rights of women and the poor so they are doing us all a disservice by attacking one another.
ADM
February 11, 2012 at 9:57 pm
When I come on this site and read the comments you niggas leave it becomes much less of a mystery as to why the black youth is so damn misguided. I totally grasp why so many of us young folks (I just turned 22) illogically idolize these ignorant ass rappers and athletes and our young men are whoring our women out while our women willingly exploit themselves. The reason is Y’ALL NIGGAS! Which happen to be many of our parents!!! Many of you niggas have just plain failed us youth as well as your damn selves. When I read you shortsighted ass niggas sit up and defend Al Sharptons buffoon ass cooning ass self as well as others like him, it becomes completely clear why so many of our youth has been led completely astray. What happened to supporting principled black leaders that displayed unwavering integrity such as folks like Malcom X, Stokely Carmicheal, Angela Davis, Huey Newton, even Martin, though admittedly so we youth aren’t much with that turn the other cheek bullshit. We’ll still include MLK because towards the end of his life he realized that non violence shit had it’s limits just like any thing else. But I digress, I think the main thing that has happened is you older niggas have gone soft. Turned into a bunch of scared punks that are too afraid to stand up for your people and truly speak out against the racist elite tyranny that runs our country, for fear of backlash. You niggas in the words of Malcolm X have been completely bamboozled into supporting from pimping to the pulpit ass niggas such as Al Sharp and his like! What happened to the principles and ideas we championed as black folks in the 60′s and 70′s? Did watching so many of our black leaders be killed or imprisoned put the fear of God in you niggas?! I’ll tell you what, it’s pathetic and cowardly and we youth smell your fear and see your damn walking contradictions as clear as day, which is why we don’t respect you niggas which has lead to many of us youth in turn not respecting ourselves. The truth is in order for some real progress to happen in the black community we have to except the fact that many may have to die and or be jailed. No empire is overthrown and or brought to it’s demise without bloodshed niggas so except that shit and stop being so damn scared to give your life and or freedom for a great cause. Which is ultimately all of our collective freedom, particulary people of color. Summon your inner, Malcolm, Huey, Angela, Assata and stop shucking and jiving for the white man so got damn much niggas!! In closing, I know some of y’all niggas gone be mad and or offended by my language, and if you find that “you” are one of those niggas that’s upset or angry then you likely are just the nigga I’m talking too! God Bless and Good Night!
Jacque
February 12, 2012 at 2:34 am
All of that, all of it could have been said without all the “n” words. I have a 20 yr old daughter and 23 year old college educated son, they would never be so disrespectful. Although I and them would agree with some your points, the way you said them will not be heard or listened to by us. The respect you deny us is a reflection of “you” as a young person, Not necessarily us as your elders. Respect yourself enough to value the life that God has given you, and then start from there. You sound like just another example of a lost generation who is looking for hope in the hopeless.
ADM
February 12, 2012 at 6:43 am
As I said in my previous post those that will not look beyond my words and see the truth in them, but instead will key in on my constant use of the word “nigga” are likely just the ones I’m talking about. With all due respect, I used “nigga” so many times to make a point that was clearly lost on you. I’m the voice of a generation. I’m expressing the pain and angst of the youth across the nation. If you can’t feel that pain and take some responsibility for the fact that our parents generation (likely meaning your generation) has let us down, then you are one of the very people my previous email was addressed to. The youth is misguided with no respect for absolutely anything whatsoever including self. Young folks will kill another person in the blink of an eye for no more than looking at them the “wrong” way without even so much as a thought. Too many brothas have zero respect for sistas and too many sistas have zero respect for themselves. So my point was, those “niggas” that actually have the audacity to sit up and defend a clown such as Al Sharpton with all the lack of true care and consideration he’s shown the black community will most certainly be addressed as “NIGGAS,” and I apologize if that personally offends you. Truly how ironic it is that one would be offended by my use of the word “nigga” yet isn’t offended by a “nigga” named Al Sharpton that has egregiously prayed upon the black community with his coonery!
Hakeem Jackson
February 13, 2012 at 3:03 pm
ADM,
i’m 21 year old black male and just graduated from college.
not sure who voted you the voice of next generation…but you don’t speak for me.
my mother raised me to be respectful to the older generation by never using the n word to honor and show respect for those who died because they refused to be treated like the n word.
therefore, speak for yourself, because you don’t speak nor do you represent my values as a young black male.
Anthony Banks
February 11, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Wait a minute!!Dammit! He’s the POTUS!! He’s not GOD!!He’s not Jesus!! He’s the 1st. Black POTUS!! Show some respect!! So maybe some of his policy’s are not strictly beneficial to the Black community!! The man can only do so much when confronted with a congress that refuses to allow him to do what he would like to.Its the nature of the Government,and i promise you that anyone especially a Black anyone would encounter the same resistance,from the political right wing.I am glad to be able to have lived during this momentous time when we can say a Black man was the most powerful man in the world,when i can show my black little grandson and grand daughter who the president is and have him look like them!To see a Black family in the “White House” To see a tall beautiful Black women who is a mother be referred to as “The First Lady” These are and should be sources of pride and inspiration for our youth.And you can believe white folks don’t care if your kids are inspired or not! They would rather see us divided and conquered then united and victorious.My Brothers,you are both intelligent and articulate chapters in the bible of the Black community.You are not going to agree on all things.Can we agree to disagree on somethings but agree to admire and support the Leader of the Free World.A Black Man…
kerry
February 11, 2012 at 11:12 pm
We the black community still have a lot of work to do. We cannot survive on symbolic faces alone. (Black) Man cannot live by bread (crumbs) alone.
David
February 12, 2012 at 1:17 am
These black intellectuals and non-intellectuals are put in their positions by the controlled media of whites and Jews. We, black folk do not control their place as representatives of our thought. How can any black person with any history of racism, injustice and murder stand on the sideline and raise hell that this presidency is not unique in the simple fact that a black man is President. To agree with white people from the Jim Crow era that their minds have been transformed. Relatives of slaveholders,a civil war to maintain slavery, KKK, segregationist, dogs and waterhoses up to the murder of MLK and black folks whether democrat, republican, independent or whatever “think” what?As long as you act like them and be white as you can in your black skin you are accepted, how many negroes have accepted this?
Jacque
February 12, 2012 at 2:23 am
“You” Are one of the great disappointments of President Obama’s presidency. You’re exactly what you are talking about in this article. I no longer respect your voice because all you seem to speak on is your disdain of this President’s administration. If you have lived in the ‘hood, or been through the ‘hood you would shut you mouth because he is the inspiration that some of these kids need. But, you are one of those up high, speaking from that position on our situation. Shut up until you have someone better to replace President Barack Obama.
WARREN
February 12, 2012 at 7:19 am
Ms Yvette Carnell, you are shameful.
I find your total argument against Rev Sharpton
distasteful and shameful.
Who’s payroll are you on?
And I see here, that nearly no one was fooled
by your trumped up hype and silliness.
And I had no idea he didn’t have a college degree.
but I know he has a beautiful heart and is willing
to lay his life on the line for our freedom.
What about you?
Me Again
February 12, 2012 at 1:31 pm
These so-called Obamabot supporters are NOT real Black people. They are paid Obama volunteers that have been tasked to search out anti-Obama rhetoric, on the internet, so they can attack anyone that sheds light on Obama’s abysmal record, within the African-American community.
All of my fellow Blacks that agrees with Yvette Carnell, I urge you all to NOT waste your valuable time debating or arguing with paid Obama posters. They are here for one reason, and one reason only–they’re here to further confuse the less intelligent of our Black brothers and sisters–the one’s that are gullible and easily lead by the permed-haired pimp preachers of this world, like Al Sharpton.
Yvette, as always, your brilliance is evident in your writing, and your commitment and love for our Black community is evident.
I want to personally thank you for caring about our Black brothers and sisters that no longer have jobs, along with those that will be losing their jobs in the future, under Obama’s administration.
Me Again
February 12, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Also, I respect Blackworld for posting all comments, regardless of how unflattering they may be to the writer, Yvette. The same privilege is NOT afforded to contributors that attempts to post comments to the YouTube video “African-Americans for Obama 2012.” The comments will be pending approval, and comments will NOT be made public, if they don’t appear to be pro-Obama. Obama is reneging on his promise. He told us to hold him accountable; now, he refuses to listen to anyone that holds him accountable.
He will NOT be re-elected. Don’t let these paid/hired Obamabot posters, who participate in these Obama polls for African-American support, fool you. 1/3 of African-Americans are fed up with Obama, and we will NOT be voting for him or any other candidate in November 2012. We’ll exercise our right to “NOT” vote this November. I will be better off under a White president, because my/our Black issues will be heard.
Al Sharpton is now irrelevant with future Presidents. They’ll remind him that he didn’t confront a Black President, so his grievances are null and void with them. Tavis and other Blacks, that criticizes Obama, will be taken seriously by future White Presidents, after Obama is out of office, after the November 2012 elections.
Egunje
February 12, 2012 at 6:43 pm
“Me Again”, pleasse be specific. Which of his promises has he broken? List them one by one. Secondly, you don’t fool anyone here. You are white troll. Please take your white trash self out of this site.
Kelly
February 13, 2012 at 2:48 pm
do you honestly think black people will fall for what you are saying? git…you white devil troll. lol
LIZ
February 14, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Yvette Carnel is a “CLOSE” associate of Cornel & Tavis anything she has to say carries the BIAS those two hold for POTUS and Al Sharpton as a supporter.
She as Tavis & Cornel are driven by JEALOUSY !! They are former/present ‘Hillary’ Supporters and they seemingly can NOT get over their inability to get to the (White House) via ‘white folks” whom they hold near and dear to their hearts. SAD Groupies only see one way to sucess through the valley of the persons they worship, “white folks”
LIZ
February 14, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Yvette=== Please realize===”Blacks” aren’t as ignorant as you truly believe. You and your ‘few’ supporters are trying again to degrade any black that is Not following your flow of Whites are the only ones to listen to or Blacks that live in their image.
SAD, try another angle WE as Blacks see through all your “BULL” One thing I didn’t realize How long Jealousy Envy and Hate fester Dang—Its been 3 years and you people are still trying to find and angle to make US listen to your rhectoric.
LIZ
February 14, 2012 at 4:19 pm
Someone PLEASE inform Dr. Boyce. Tavis. Cornel, and Yvette Carnell —FOX and maybe CNN are hiring all the time.
The venom and hatred that you all muster for the POTUS would be welcomed at either station. Apply, hopefully you will be able to truly EXPOSE yourselves there.
Envy is a SAD sick way to live!
Priscilla
February 21, 2012 at 5:48 pm
This back and forth on whether President Obama is helping black people is shameful and disgusting, particuarly in the context of history.
What does Boyce, Tavis and Cornell want.. separate but equal programs for blacks only? Are you kiddin’ me? How about the billions of dollars President Obama allocated to public education, the emphasis on community college training programs and the healthcare mandate. Can he do more? NO, THE GOP IS WORKING NIGHT AND DAY TO DEFEAT THIS MAN AND YOU WOULD THINK THAT BLACKS WOULD SUPPORT HIM!
I am a product of the 60′s and most of the brothers and sisters of that era are disgusted with this infighting about the first black man in the White House. Please, stop, it makes no sense. This is so typical of blacks against blacks while the white man stands on the sidelines and waits for us to implode.
And to hear black people say they are not voting for President Obama because he has not fulfilled his promises, makes me think of our ancestors and how proud they would have been to have seen a black man as President of the United States. If only for that reason, you should support him.
JahLah
March 2, 2012 at 5:37 am
GREAT article exposing Rev. Slick back. I absolutely despise Al, mostly off of instinct, so reading this made so much sense to me. He allows himself to be used as a tool and I am not willing to back any1 who isnt willing to die in this battle and Rev. Al just doesnt do it for me. Nevermind these other folks, they just love “The Rock” Obama and dont want to hear anything of the opposite. Just like AL
HASSAN
March 9, 2012 at 4:54 am
Umm…excuse me, but can someone explain why Rev. Sharpton needs a college degree to be passionate about Education for black children? Yvette Carnell, that was some elitist bullshit to type. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. The only persons irrelevant here are you and Dr. “One Biscuit away from morbid obesity” Watkins.There is much to criticize ANY black leader or intellectual about, whether they be Sharpton, your homie Dr West, Mrs. Perry or anyone else. But if YOUR individual record does not match the list of accomplishments of those noted above, then sit down and keep it on mute. Obama has skirted the black agenda, I’ll agree. But Dr. “I’m pissed that I didn’t get an invite to the Inauguration” Cornel West, and “I want to be a black leader but I get all my sponsorship from Wells Fargo and other corporate entities that don’t give money to black folks to be revolutionary” Tavis Smiley are not the chosen ones to articulate that criticism. They lost all credibility with this petty “Obama threw me shade and now my feelings are hurt” routine. Sounds like you all are devotee’s of those two “please make me a black leader” handkerchief head Negroes.
ST
March 18, 2012 at 4:31 am
All of this in-house bickering is foolishness. leaders who tend to turn on each other and quarrel among themselves look petty and ineffective. No one OWNS the Black narrative! Every time so called “leaders” fight among themselves, it means they don’t have an effective agenda. Or they can’t get it pushed through. It’s more a sign of frustration than anything else. It’s certainly not a sign of intelligence or leadership. The more Blacks in the media, the better. Why spend time knocking any of them? it doesn’t take much for us to turn on each other, and strart arguing, does it? If you want drama, turn on “Basketball Wives”. For the sake of Blacks who want to see progress, I sure hope this story of petty bickering has been blown out of proportion.
Rasheed
March 21, 2012 at 1:08 am
The main point that has to be addressed is
OBAMA’s POLICIES and their EFFECT on OUR COMMUNITY.
All these apologists can cry and whine and scream ‘hater’ all they want.
Obama is a politician he must be held accountable to do his job.
I dont give a damn if he is black…. As a matter of fact, Im more angry if I see my BROTHER trying to doubletalk my community in order to get our vote, but never hold up his end of the bargain. There is NO reason in this world to defend this guy when he does nothing to address the people he claims to be apart of. Black people just love living on the cloud where a black man is president. Dont ever bother to examine what is he exactly doing as president.
Im not even a religious person, but I pray black people wake up and stop being door mats for these politicians
Rasheed
March 21, 2012 at 1:21 am
Also, I loved the comments above by ADM… A little too much ‘N*gga’ in his post, but I totally agree with his point.
I watch Malcolm X videos and MLK speeches. All the old heroes who had REAL integrity. I watch them and I cry because they were real men and women who stood up for our community…
I see people in this thread whining saying its wrong to criticize the president because he is a role model.
A real role model is a guy like MLK or Malcolm who did the RIGHT THING EVEN WHEN THEY KNEW IT WOULD COST THEM THEIR LIVES.
Now all we got is a bunch of old scared punks who USED to be about something..
And we wonder why the world is upside down.