This is Historic 
June 4, 2008
June 3, 2008
The Necessary Endorsement
In recent news, Rep. Jame E. Clyburn of South Carolina, endorsed presidential candidate Barack Obama on NBC's "today show". Clyburn is the highest ranking African American and the third-ranking democrat in Congress. In his own words, Clyburn said, "Today the [primary] process ends, And I hope that enough of us will announce our intentions today so that this evening our candidate, our presumptive nominee, can get to 2,118." Basically Clyburn is saying that Barack Obama should the official nominee after today's primaries.
In discussion of Clyburns endorsement, a controversial question is whether his endorsement was necessary. On the one hand, some might argue that Clyburn's endorsement is meaningless because he waited until the nominee was clinched to publicly support Obama. On the other hand, others contend that since there is no deadlock between Clinton and Obama, it seems perfectly fine for Clyburn to go ahead. My own view is that Clyburn's endorsement was necessary because it creates good political posture for other super delegates to follow.
Those that argue Clyber's endorsement has no impact overlook the fact that he is the House Majority Whip which makes him third ranked only behind Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. In essence, the majority whip is responsible for ensuring that party members vote along party lines for major legislation. An endorsement from the House majority whip is a great scenario for any presidential nominee because the whip has a strong influence that can rally party members together.
What is more important is that, Clyburn was unanimously elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and won a coveted seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee. In 2002, he ascended to Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and to Caucus Chair in 2006. Clyburn's leadership in the Congressional Black Caucus is significant because he gives the final stamp of approval that Obama is cool with the "Old Heads", or in other words, the older African American congressmen. According to Clyburn, Obama "is elevating the political rhetoric, he's elevating our party, He is bringing to the process new voters, young voters, elder voters. People who are in thirst of a new vision for our country."
Ultimately, the endorsement of Rep. Jame E. Clyburn is a signal that the democratic party is ready to unite behind a single presidential nominee. With both the old and young generations of African Americans rallying behind Brack Obama, it makes a perfect segue for the candidate to make his acceptance speech on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream Speech".
In discussion of Clyburns endorsement, a controversial question is whether his endorsement was necessary. On the one hand, some might argue that Clyburn's endorsement is meaningless because he waited until the nominee was clinched to publicly support Obama. On the other hand, others contend that since there is no deadlock between Clinton and Obama, it seems perfectly fine for Clyburn to go ahead. My own view is that Clyburn's endorsement was necessary because it creates good political posture for other super delegates to follow.
Those that argue Clyber's endorsement has no impact overlook the fact that he is the House Majority Whip which makes him third ranked only behind Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. In essence, the majority whip is responsible for ensuring that party members vote along party lines for major legislation. An endorsement from the House majority whip is a great scenario for any presidential nominee because the whip has a strong influence that can rally party members together.
What is more important is that, Clyburn was unanimously elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and won a coveted seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee. In 2002, he ascended to Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and to Caucus Chair in 2006. Clyburn's leadership in the Congressional Black Caucus is significant because he gives the final stamp of approval that Obama is cool with the "Old Heads", or in other words, the older African American congressmen. According to Clyburn, Obama "is elevating the political rhetoric, he's elevating our party, He is bringing to the process new voters, young voters, elder voters. People who are in thirst of a new vision for our country."
Ultimately, the endorsement of Rep. Jame E. Clyburn is a signal that the democratic party is ready to unite behind a single presidential nominee. With both the old and young generations of African Americans rallying behind Brack Obama, it makes a perfect segue for the candidate to make his acceptance speech on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream Speech".
May 28, 2008
The DNC Advocates Transparency but Convention Bloggers are Chosen Behind Closed Doors
"There is nothing 'Democratic' about an all-white Democratic National Convention floor blogging corps" - Francis L. Holland
Read the Washington Post Coverage:
"Democrats' Convention Pool: Is it all wet?"
Read the media story here and at African American Political Pundit.
March 19, 2008
20/20 Hindsight
In the recent media craze over Geraldine Ferror's racial accusations, former Governor Spitzer's indecent act, and Reverend Jeremiah Wright's "fiery"comments, American's have been pulled in every direction. The mass media has blogged us down with 360 coverage of these pitty issues that are not solving problems for Americans. The mass media no longer leaves room for the common viewer to form an educated opinion on the issues of substance. Why are we allowing prostitutes to get prime time coverage while citizens are suffering from job loss? Similar to Govonor Spitzer, Reverend Wright has quickly become the media's punching bag. I recorded today that each major news Chanel aired his controversial comments at least two times within one hour. This extensive media coverage has only acted as a catalyst in the unpopular color discussion. Last week, Senator Hillary Clinton was spared the color discussion by quickly denouncing Ferror but now the focus has shifted to Senator Barack Obama.
The American people, fueled by the media surge, placed Senator Obama in an unfavorable position. He was asked today to abandon his religious morals and dis associate himself with a person he has built a great bond with. Unfortunately for critics, Senator Obama proved to be a human. Unlike Senators McCain and Clinton, Barack Obama did not turn his back on a friend just so he could be the Presidential Nominee. Instead, he spoke out against the comments while still acknowledging the reverends good morals. It takes a true leader to be able to act in such a way without degrading someones character.
In attempt to corner Senator Obama, the media has unintentionally aided him. Through the issue of Reverend Wright, Senator Obama was given the chance to tackle the even greater issue of race. Toady, he revealed another one of his Presidential qualities, 20/20 Hindsight.
The ability to have 20/20 hindsight is a rare quality that was shared by the founding fathers along with other great leaders of this nation. Consider President Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War he suspended Habeas corpus in response to race riots in New York. While this was a constitutional right, he had the ability to look ahead and realize that this would only help the war effort. Just as people are criticizing Senator Obama, President Lincoln faced numerous critics that said he made a bad decision. Ask yourself how many critics are honored for criticizing people and how many parents tell their children that XYZ has their own statue for criticizing President Lincoln. In truth, critics don't get their own statues, monuments are only built for visionaries.
In his speech today, Senator Obama made it clear that he was tired of playing games and ready to transcend discussions of skin color. AP called his speech, "the most racially pointed speech yet of his presidential campaign", I disagree. Barack Obama's speech today that focused on race, unity, and the future, was his most inspiring speech for all Americans.
The American people, fueled by the media surge, placed Senator Obama in an unfavorable position. He was asked today to abandon his religious morals and dis associate himself with a person he has built a great bond with. Unfortunately for critics, Senator Obama proved to be a human. Unlike Senators McCain and Clinton, Barack Obama did not turn his back on a friend just so he could be the Presidential Nominee. Instead, he spoke out against the comments while still acknowledging the reverends good morals. It takes a true leader to be able to act in such a way without degrading someones character.
In attempt to corner Senator Obama, the media has unintentionally aided him. Through the issue of Reverend Wright, Senator Obama was given the chance to tackle the even greater issue of race. Toady, he revealed another one of his Presidential qualities, 20/20 Hindsight.
The ability to have 20/20 hindsight is a rare quality that was shared by the founding fathers along with other great leaders of this nation. Consider President Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War he suspended Habeas corpus in response to race riots in New York. While this was a constitutional right, he had the ability to look ahead and realize that this would only help the war effort. Just as people are criticizing Senator Obama, President Lincoln faced numerous critics that said he made a bad decision. Ask yourself how many critics are honored for criticizing people and how many parents tell their children that XYZ has their own statue for criticizing President Lincoln. In truth, critics don't get their own statues, monuments are only built for visionaries.
In his speech today, Senator Obama made it clear that he was tired of playing games and ready to transcend discussions of skin color. AP called his speech, "the most racially pointed speech yet of his presidential campaign", I disagree. Barack Obama's speech today that focused on race, unity, and the future, was his most inspiring speech for all Americans.
November 28, 2007
In the Polls We Trust
While I was on Zogby.com, I happened to notice that the polls have been updated. The new polls show that the democratic "front runner" Senator Hillary Clinton is losing ground against the republicans. This update is alarming because the polls show that she even loses to Fred Thomson, who in my opinion has been running a sloppy campaign. The last Zogby poll took place back in July and during that time it showed Senator Clinton ahead of each candidate. Correct me if I'm wrong but has she really made any mistakes during the time between August and November?
But wait, that is not the only thing that has me raising a red flag. Ironically, the polls still show that Hillary wins against the other democratic candidates but those candidates like Senator Obama and Edwards, win when put up against the republicans. So what is exactly is going on here? The polls are actually showing me that democrats want Hillary but she has no chance against the republicans and, Americans would rather see Barack Obama and John Edwards over the republicans. Given that information I have come to the conclusion that we can no longer rely on the polls.
Through out my years of school, math has been one of my favorite subjects. If there is one thing I learned from math is notion that numbers do not lie, or at least thats what I was taught to think.
Zogby Polls Here
But wait, that is not the only thing that has me raising a red flag. Ironically, the polls still show that Hillary wins against the other democratic candidates but those candidates like Senator Obama and Edwards, win when put up against the republicans. So what is exactly is going on here? The polls are actually showing me that democrats want Hillary but she has no chance against the republicans and, Americans would rather see Barack Obama and John Edwards over the republicans. Given that information I have come to the conclusion that we can no longer rely on the polls.
Through out my years of school, math has been one of my favorite subjects. If there is one thing I learned from math is notion that numbers do not lie, or at least thats what I was taught to think.
Zogby Polls Here
November 25, 2007
Are HBCU's good or bad for African American Youth?
Recently, U.S. News and World Report did a special ranking of historically Black colleges. The top tier universities listed were Spelman, Howard, Hampton and Morehouse. The colleges listed are truly important because they are responsible for producing a successful image for African-Americans. I interpret this recent article as beneficial to African- Americans because it breaks numerous stereotypes all across the board.. Contrary to the lazy and drop out stereotypes, students who attend the HBCU’s listed and those not listed, are motivated students who value education. It has taken some time but these students are finally receiving the national credit they deserve by ranking them among the top 100 schools across the country. This first step shows that the top predominantly black schools are just as good or better than the top predominantly white schools. I can only hope that the media reveals more in terms of the future of educated African Americans in this count
Click below to see the full list
Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Top Schools
The State of Teenagers
The many stereotypes that are commonly tied to teens are: Drug Users, spoiled, rebellious, idiotic, wild, and sex crazed. These stereotypes are reinforced through media conditioning which causes some teens to embrace them. For example, MTV’s hit show “My super Sweet Sixteen” includes snotty rich kids who throw extravagant parties and treat everyone around them like dirt. It is commonly said that MTV is the number one outlet for teen news and most of the viewers are teens. Rather than using their influence to do something positive, various media source just reinforce the stereotypes.
Along with MTV, movies help to create the stereotypes. Specifically, Juice, Fresh, and Thirteen have created many stereotypes tied to race and age. Unfortunately, teen stereotype vary according to race. White teens are portrayed in negative ways such as: drug users, spoiled rich kids, rebellious, idiotic and sex crazed. In most white teen movies, the main character is a virgin and the plot is about him/her trying to lose their virginity. Hispanic teens are portrayed in movies as sex crazed, gang bangers, bullies and murderers. In movies, they are usually portrayed similar to black teens. They are put in similar situations as the black teens as well as the environments that surround them. Asian teens are portrayed in movies as quiet natured, geeks, martial artists, and virgins. In some movies, they are anti-social, losers who do not get with boys/girls; they are commonly bullied.
Shows and movies have been strong influences for a long period of time but the new modern approach is the internet. Consider Myspace.com and Facebook.com, the two sites are major teen networking spaces that allow teens to show off their photos, speak about their lifestyles and branch out into new networks. Teens often assume that this freedom is a good thing but conventional wisdom has it that large companies take advantage of them. Now, Myspace.com has become an entertainment capital filled with ads and companies that push teens to confide in a certain look or way of life. The same is not said for Facebook but with the recent sale to a major corporation, Facebook.com is following the same path as myspace.com.
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