Why Obama Must Win

Many of you know I am hard on Barack Obama. And, I will continue to be - not because I dislike him...I have nothing against him: I've actually met him and think he's a nice guy. My issue is not with him...my issue is with us - Black people.

My criticism is because we cannot afford to simply rubber stamp any candidate - including a Black one. Yet, in the absence of any real choice (any choice that the majority will research) - and being faced with the lesser of two evils, it's a catch twenty-two. Do we elect the Black candidate (lesser) and at least have a Black man? Or, do we vote against the Black candidate (lesser) and prevent America from blaming Black people for the mess that will come, regardless of if it's McCain or Obama?

To achieve reparations requires us to make tough choices that may seem far fetched. But, that's the reality.

Yet - as I say constantly - I am race-first...not anti-anyone. But, I understand that of all Americans - Black Americans have long been furthest from the Cause of Liberty. And, ultimately Liberty is what we want. So, I must think thus: what puts us closer to the path of Liberty?

Honestly, the best thing would have been for Senator Obama to have lost the Democratic Primary. For or goal is to "capitalize on the new American political landscape." The problem is as Brother Malcolm said:

The black man in North America was sickest of all politically. He let the white man divide him into such foolishness as considering himself a black "Democrat," a black "Republican," a black "conservative," or a black "Liberal"...when a ten-million strong black vote bloc could be the deciding balance of power in American politics...

Right now, Blacks are stuck in the Democratic Party. Not because we necessarily agree with their platform, but essentially because that's what we know. We don't challenge either Party on issues of particular concern, specifically to the Black Community. We simply accept their "cookie-cutter policies" hoping that one day 'ole massa will do right by us!

If Obama had lost in the Primary - if Hillary was allowed to steal the election, maybe Black people would have awakened to a new sense of awareness: neither Party has the interests of Black people at heart...neither has a solution. Maybe if he had lost, the stranglehold of the Democratic Pary would have been loosened, and we would have begun to challenge all Parties to speak to our issues. But, he won...so we move forward.

And, still hoping for a political awakening forces me to realize that only an Obama victory even has the potential to fulfill that goal. For, if he were to loose, the only thing we would do is blame racism - specifically Republican racism. This, in turn, would deepen our blind allegiance to the Democratic Party - leading us further down the road to serfdom.

This is why Obama must win. Or, maybe herein lies yet another angle for why he must not? What do you say?

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Black People Waking Up? Or, Stupid? Your thoughts...

What do you say?

Come and Get Your Reparations!

45 Years Later - A Dream Deferred

I fear that a Black president would be an excuse for some to say, "We've paid our debt," and to avoid the much harder work.


Today we commemorate the 45th Anniversary of the so-called "I Have a Dream" speech. I say "so-called" because the speech was over 2/3 complete before Dr. King starts speaking about a "Dream."

Forty-five years ago, Dr. King mounted the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to demand justice. As he said, he came to "cash a check." Forty-five years ago he said, "when the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to every American was to fall heir.

"This was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation."

Watch and listen to the speech as you read on:


Forty-five years ago, Dr. King did not simply espouse a Dream where "little Black boys and Black girls will be able to join hands with little White boys and White girls and walk together as sisters and brothers." Racial reconciliation is the culmination of this Dream. But, in Dr. King's "Dream" this reconciliation cannot happen until this nation rises up to "live out the true meaning of it's creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

You see, Reparations will help us to realize the Dream.

We will not all be created equal until the child born in the ghetto has the same chance to achieve greatness as the child born in the suburbs. We will not all be created equal until a Black person going to a hospital has the same chance of survival as the White person in the same hospital. We will not be created equal until "Black Culture" is part and parcel of American Culture, and not treated as some sort of "sub-culture."

Reparations will help us to realize the Dream.

The dream is not realized simply because a Black man stands as the Democratic Nominee. And, the "fierce urgency of now" is this: the opportunity for us to make progress on overcoming racial disparities is slipping away.

You hear pundits, preachers and politicians alike declaring that this moment marks the "Post-racial" era. They want you to believe that Obama's nomination will open the flood-gates of opportunity for Black people. But, the National Urban League tells a different story.

Take the housing crisis for example. Urban League President Marc Morial states:

In fact, according to 2006 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, more than 50 percent of blacks received subprime loans compared with less than 18 percent of whites.

People will use Senator Obama's nomination (on the Anniversary of the "I Have a Dream" Speech) as a testament to the "progress" that's been made. They will all be proud of the "Color Blind Society." But, United for a Fair Economy states in their "State of the Dream 2008" report:

Because people of color are disproportionately poor, many individuals will be helped by some of the proposals. But the "color-blind" nature of the policies will not have any effect on closing the racial economic gap. In fact, race is conspicuously absent from the Democrats' agenda.

Reparations will help us to realize the Dream. Affirmative Action has failed us. And, Black Presidential candidates are not the solution. Yes, it feels good. But, feeling good "don't pay the bills."

Those who have read the entire text of this "I Have a Dream" speech realize that he's arguing for a form of reparations. Yet, while we compare Senator Obama to Dr. King on this (now doubly) important date in history, we're faced with the fact that Senator Obama is against reparations. He says:

If we have a program, for example, of universal health care, that will disproportionately affect people of color, because they're disproportionately uninsured," Obama said. "If we've got an agenda that says every child in America should get — should be able to go to college, regardless of income, that will disproportionately affect people of color, because it's oftentimes our children who can't afford to go to college.

Yet, United for a Fair Economy says again:

Moving everyone one rung up the ladder won't change the fact that those on the lower rungs are disproportionately people of color.

And, those on the lower rungs will continue to be on the lower rungs...moving the ladder up higher doesn't manifest equality - only a higher standard of inequality.

Tonight, you will hear them speak of racial progress. Yet, as Bill Reed points out:

White households’ average net worth of $468,200 is six times that of black households’ $75,000.   Blacks’ plight is not being represented in political parties’ platforms and if nothing is done to accelerate black progress, it will take blacks 6 years to close the high school graduation gap, 71 years to close the disparities in college graduation and 581 years to close gaps in per-capita income gap and 1,664 years for the one in home ownership. 

If you haven't seen enough, here are some more sites:

• The State of the Dream
• State of the Black Economy
• Center for Urban Research and Learning
  

All of this, and they lull us to sleep by saying that Barack Obama is the realization of Dr. King's Dream.

Now, my problem is not with Obama. This is the mainstream and the media using this situation to their benefit. This is the mainstream using this historic moment as another opportunity to further neutralize the political power of the Black community.

Reparations will help us to realize the Dream.

Forty-five years ago, Dr. King did not speak out simply so that Black men could run for President. Dr. King spoke out demanding equality. So, I say to you today, my friends, that the dream is yet to be achieved. I say that we still have much work to do. I say, go ahead and support Obama if you like. Yet regardless of your choice, to realize the dream we must become vigilant. We must organized if we are to protect ourselves from those who will day that "racism is dead."

In a 2004 questionnaire, Senator Obama told the NAACP, "I fear that reparations would be an excuse for some to say, 'We've paid our debt,' and to avoid the much harder work."

Well, I agree. And, I fear that a Black president would be an excuse for some to say, "We've paid our debt," and to avoid the much harder work." So, let's get to work!

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Will Address Specific Black Concerns

A few days ago, the UHURU Movement challenged Senator Obama at a rally in St. Petersburg, FL. Here's the video:



Reparations will address specific Black concerns. Senator Obama will not address the concerns of the Black Community, until more of us challenge him as these brothers did. In order for us to challenge him, we must have an agenda. And, once we challenge him we must be able to hold him accountable for his response. Here's the link to some more background on his response, from SleptOn Magazine.

Reparations will address specific Black concerns. We can expect no political figure - Black/White/Other - to think about the Black Community until we force the issue. On our Google Group, we invite you to help us put together a viable program for reparations.

Reparations will address specific Black concerns, but we are the ones who must develop the plan. Let's see if you have some ideas to move this forward...

Come and Get Your Reparations!

There is No Excuse...

I’m sorry, Torch Snatchers!

Last night, we were to discuss the Rising Tide Theory and Senator Obama’s stance on reparations. In our response, we called Obama’s position naïve. Well, some people have considered our response a bit harsh and unfair to Senator Obama. Some say that we ought to wait until he wins the election before we start making demands. So, to address this issue we scheduled last night’s Reparative Talk Radio program: “Does a Rising Tide Really Lift All Boats? The Obama Doctrine.”

We were all set to discuss the issue and present the foundation for a viable reparations plan that could be promoted by a presidential candidate. I think it is quite possible to extend such a tax exemption for the same amount of generations as were enslaved (i.e. four generations of slaves = four generations of exemption). What do you think? If you don’t mind, would you enter your thoughts here?

Yesterday, technology struck: difficulties with our internet service precluded us from completing the show. So, I would like to apologize to all of you for the confusion and hope you will continue to support our efforts.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Will Protect Us from Obama's Naiveté

Ok...if you read the blogosphere you'll see many people outraged that Obama has voiced his opposition to Reparations. Now, I definitely understand why he made that stance. As Jeremiah Wright said, "Barack Obama is a politician, and he does what politicians do." How can we believe that he would say anything different?

Now, what Senator Obama says sounds nice. And, frankly as US President that is the most we can - and should - expect him to say. Nevertheless, we must understand that in this instance a rising tide may raise all boats, but some boats will still be sinking.

Reparations will protect us from Obama's naiveté. If one person stands 5'6" and another at only 5', and we put them both on the same 4" platform, the first person will remain 6 inches taller than the other, right? That is the shortsightedness of Senator Obama's thinking on this issue.

Black people are at a disadvantage. Those in the race of capitalism do not need any head starts. If indeed the race goes to the swift, why not find ways to put everyone at the same starting point and let competition determine who wins?

So, reparations will protect us from Obama's naiveté. Because, there is no way that programs to help "all" Americans will ultimately benefit Black Americans. For, through programs to benefit all Americans, Black Americans will continue to be behind...we will continue to be at a disadvantage.

Yet, I am not one to call for greater government intervention into the affairs of Black People. I believe that greater intervention comes at the detriment of our community. Ultimately, the solution will come from within ourselves. Especially being of the minority, there is no way that the Federal Government will ever do anything for the distinct benefit of our interests.

We must remember, Senator Obama is running for President of America...not of Black America. And, he will not do anything specific for Blacks simply because he's Black. The only way he will be justified in doing anything specific for Blacks is if the Black Community is active and engaged, forcing Obama to address our concerns.

Reparations will protect us from Obama's naiveté because if we as Black people put all our hopes in him, we will be lost. As Professor Vernellia Randall said to The Huffington Post: aid to the poor in general won't close the gaps poor blacks would still trail poor whites, and middle-class blacks would still lag behind middle-class whites. Instead, assistance must be aimed directly at the people facing the after-effects of slavery and Jim Crow laws.

The best response for obtaining reparations comes from the Late Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie:

The people themselves must come to realize their own difficulties in the development of their community and try to solve them by collective participation following an order of priority and taking their potentiality into account.

It is well known to you all that recognizing one's problems and striving hard to challenge them is a mark of an attempt at self-sufficiency. Self help in the benefits to be acquired through education, will save the individual from asking someone's assistance.

It is our responsibility to do the work necessary to obtain reparations. To be fixed by someone else would only replace one form of dependence with another. So no, I do not want Senator Obama to endorse a government sponsored reparations plan - not yet. We're not ready...and frankly that would let society off the hook. But, I will say that the Senator's public statement is quite shortsighted.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Recognizing the True Value of A Black President

Tonight, we had an amazing Talk Show! The topic was: "The Value of a Black President."

Many people have asked, "why are you bringing up these issues now? Can't this wait until after Barack is elected?

Well, like Dr. King, let me tell you Why We Can't Wait:

...We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late...Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood - it ebbs.

Or, as Mos Def said: Tomorrow may never come...for you or me this life is not promised.



Reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President. And, that value is only measured by the impact on the Black Community. For, if a Black President has no impact on the Black Community, then that president might as well just be a president.

Achieving our reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President. And, that value lays in the opportunity that a Black President affords the Black Community...the opportunity for political empowerment - because as Brother Malcolm X said, "the cornerstones of America are politics and economics." The value of a Black President lays with the possibility to inspire Black Youth, to give peace to our Black elders and galvanize the rest of us.

We are not out to derail Obama's candidacy. And, is there anything wrong with trying to use this season for the benefit of the Black Community? Is there something wrong with using this opportunity for the benefit of Black People?

White women have it clear. They understand the value of Hillary's campaign. They understand that her candidacy served to inspire them to believe that the "glass ceiling" can - and will - be broken. And, they are using her candidacy to force both Obama and McCain to address their issues and actively court their votes. What's wrong with us? Reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President.



Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Capitalizing on the New American Political Landscape

I have been debating on how I would frame this posting. And, have concluded that the best way would be to simply quote a passage from The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

The black man in North America was sickest of all politically. He let the white man divide him into such foolishness as considering himself a black "Democrat," a black "Republican," a black "conservative," or a black "Liberal"...when a ten-million strong black vote bloc could be the deciding balance of power in American politics...

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. With the nomination of Barack Obama, we are seeing the truth of this statement. And, that truth is becoming manifest in a new American political landscape.

For decades the "Battle Map" has been the same, with Republicans and Democrats fighting over the same states every year. As we listen to news reports, we hear of Obama's 50-State strategy. They say his strategy is possible because Senator Obama's base is not the traditional base (Hillary's "Hard-working Americans"). His base is comprised of young (& new) voters and Blacks. Because of the large numbers of Blacks that are turning out, Senator Obama is able to expand his electoral map allowing him to be competitive in the South, on the East Coast, and out West.

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. And, it is time for us to organize so that we can assert our prowess. Brother Malcolm continues:

The polls are one place where every black man could fight the black man's cause with dignity, and with the power and the tools that the white man understands, and respects, and fears, and cooperates with...If a black bloc committee told Washington's worst "nigger-hater," "We represent ten million votes," why, that "nigger-hater" would leap up: "Well, how are you? Come on in here!"...Why else is it that racist politicians fight to keep black men from the polls?

There is no excuse for our Community to be in such a sorry state. No amount of racism can
deter the will of an organized, cohesive black vote bloc. He continues:

Whenever any group can vote in a bloc, and decide the outcome of elections, and it fails to do this, then that group is politically sick. Immigrants once made Tammany Hall the most powerful single force in American politics...America's black man, voting as a bloc, could wield an even more powerful force.

With growing disparities on the basis of race, with shortcomings of and injustices in American Society magnified on the basis of race, we must inject our issues into the debate.

U.S. politics is ruled by special-interest blocs and lobbies. What group has a more urgent special interest, what group needs a bloc, a lobby, more than the black man?...The government has departments to deal with the special-interest groups that make themselves heard and felt. A Department of Agriculture cares for the farmers' needs (neglecting the needs of Black farmers). There is a Department of Health, Education and Welfare (while the health, education and welfare of the Black Community flounders)...There ought to be a Pentagon-sized Washington department dealing with every segment of the black man's problems

With the nomination of Senator Obama, we have the platform by which to bring change to the Black Community. Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. With the electoral map changing, it will force both Parties to compete on this new landscape of young and Black voters. With both Parties having to compete, we have the opportunity to present our platform and demand that our votes be earned. We must realize what Brother Malcolm said:

The cornerstones of this country's operation are economic and political strength and power. The black man doesn't have the economic strength - and it will take time for him to build it. But right now the American black man has the political strength and power to change his destiny overnight.

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. And, we are seeing the potential power of the Black vote. It is on us now to organize. The opportunity has been placed before us. It is for us to seize the moment. So, join us. Become a member of one of the groups to the right =>

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Recognizing the Urgency of Now

On tonight's Reparative Talk episode, we talked about how reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. We have witnessed history. America has at least nominated a Black Man for the Presidency (although Clinton still has not conceded).

Countless of us have said - and now say - we never thought we would see this in our lifetime. How long will it be before we see this again? Why should we wait? The mere fact that we have NO IDEA when this tide will rise again explains Why We Can't Wait (as Dr. King wrote).

So - clearly, reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. And, now, while we have the attention of the media...now, while we have the ear of mainstream society...now, while the Nation is grappling - yet again - with issues of race, we must force the issue and use this moment for "social opportunism" and bring some true benefit to our community.

This is truly an historic time. And, this time calls us to rise to the challenge. As Dr. King said,

We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood-it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residuesof numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, "Too late." There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect. Omar Khayyam is right: "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on."

Reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. And, we cannot allow this urgency to become cliche'. We cannot allow this sense of urgency to be bastardized into a Kumbaya moment...to coalesce into an atmosphere of "we have arrived...we have overcome." Because with the fierce urgency of now confronting us, we cannot be too late. We cannot procrastinate and miss this opportunity. We cannot think there will be another time like this. Tomorrow may never come. Today is all we can see. So, we must seize the day and embrace the time...indeed we must become "caught up in the concept," forcing these issues to be dealt with so that we might see real change for the empowerment of our community.

So, check out our most recent talk show:

Reparations Means Sifting through the BS

Ok, I really have to ask Black Clinton supporters when is enough, enough.

In a USA Today interview today (Thursday), Hillary says:

I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on...Sen. Obama's support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states who had not completed college were supporting me.

So, here is the fundamental question: if hard-working Americans are White Americans, is she saying that Black Americans are not hard-working...are (as the old stereotype goes) lazy? Hmmm....

Reparations means sifting through the BS. And, there is not much more to say. Yet while Hillary Clinton calls Blacks lazy, Stephanie Tubbs-Jones is cheezing for the camera in support of Hillary. Hillary insults the race, but Bob Johnson wants to play games of name calling...saying that this (by her standards) lazy American, is only in this position because of his race! Mayor Nutter, despite your hard work to become Mayor of Philly - you sir, are lazy. But, I assume all of them will stand by for their own self-interest.

I can hear Hillary now: we gave these niggers so much, and this is how they repay us! Can't you hear it?

Reparations means sifting through the BS. And, this is ridiculous...I do not even need to speak about it too much. When will the DNC denounce these comments? When will the Congressional Black Caucus defend our integrity? Where is the NAACP, Rainbow/Push, National Action Network, the Urban League, et al?

We need to open our eyes. They speak of colorblind societies, and then we hear this mess. When things get thick, you see where they stand. That is why we must come together. This is our time to break free from the psychology of inferiority and the deference to White society. Now we must live free to stand independently. Find your nearest Black Leader...your nearest Black Clinton superdelegate...demand that they stand for the community.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Black People MUST Realize Their Political Clout

I am listening to the election coverage on CNN tonight and it is amazing. And, like "Dap" in School Daze, I am in your face shouting: "WAKE UP!!!!!"

Again, Malcolm X told us:

"The Black man in North America was sickest of all politically...a ten-million Black vote bloc could be the deciding balance of power in American politics..."

Reparations means Black people must realize their political clout. And, we are seeing the manifestations of that Black vote bloc. It is indeed proving to be the deciding balance of power in this Democratic Primary.

But, we also see that the Democrats do not want to see this power exercised. I mean: look how they repay your loyalty. Black folks have been die-hard Democrats for decades now. Yet, despite the leads held by Senator Obama the Party is still considering overturning the will of the people and stripping the Black man of the nomination. Why is this Primary still going? Just think if a White man were in Senator Obama's position...just think if Hillary Clinton was in Obama's position: how many of you believe this election would still be going?

Do not be hoodwinked. Do not be bamboozled. Do not be run a muck. Reparations means Black people must realize their political clout. And, realizing this power means that we begin to flex our new-found muscles. We need to flex our muscles on those Black Congressmen and women who have overturned the will of the people. As Black Caucus members, they claim to represent the Black Community. But, the Black Community has overwhelmingly chosen Senator Obama. They have not. When their terms are up, we need to put them out of office.

For too long, Black Leadership has stifled the Community to support their own careers. They have been able to do this because Black Leadership has doubted the power of a unified Black vote. They have doubted that the Black Community could stand united. Yet, all across this Country we have proved them wrong.

We have defied the stereotypes and broken the trends. And so, reparations means Black people must realize their political clout. It means we must use that clout for the benefit of the Black Community. You and I have the power to change our community...to empower our people...not to the detriment of another people, but for the benefit of our people. And, that is reparations.

Senator Obama talks about people who cannot wait four more years of the "politics of the past." Well, I am here to tell you "why we can't wait." We cannot wait four more years for a government and political structure to take us into account. We cannot wait for another election cycle for politicians to act as if they care about the Black Community. We cannot wait another moment that will galvanize the Black Community to seize hold of our own destiny.

We must stop looking for the government to do for us. We have to quit expecting these politicians to have our best interests at heart. Now is our time to assert ourselves as an independent people, part and parcel of America, and unashamed of our identity and our people.

We must wake up! Because, right before our eyes we see the Democratic Party begging to find a way to strip this nomination from the Black man. As White Conservative Bill Bennett said on CNN tonight, how do you tell him that he is leading in every dimension - except superdelegates (for now) - and take this nomination away from him? The fact that Black leaders are standing by and watching this happen is astounding. We must take notice.

We must realize our power and use it to change the political and economic landscape for the benefit of the Black Community.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means HOLDING the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) Accountable if the Nomination is Stolen from Senator Obama

Tonight on Anderson 360, there was a dialogue between Rep. Holmes-Norton (Obama Supporter) and Rep. Tubbs-Jones (Black Clinton Supporter). They were discussing comments by Representative Clyburn calling Bill Clinton's remarks "bizarre." I applaud Rep. Clyburn because he is speaking truth to power. For pundits to state that Obama cannot win the election without the white vote, while suggesting that Clinton could win without the Black vote is a gamble I am confident the Democrats do not want to take.

In the debate between Rep. Holmes-Norton and Rep. Tubbs-Jones, it was suggested that Black
people would not hold the Clintons accountable for their blatant racism and race bating.

But, reparations means HOLDING the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. The Black Elite are banking on the fickle nature of the Black Electorate. It was even said during the course of debate that Black people will "forget" this and remain committed to the Democratic Party. But, how could you remain committed to a Party that is not committed to you? How can you forget the actions of a Party that clearly state your lack of value?

If we do not hold the Clintons accountable, then we deserve to be mistreated. If we do not hold accountable those Black leaders who support Clinton despite the overwhelming support of their constituency for Obama, we deserve to be abused.

Reparations means holding the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. And as the last Democratic President, the Clintons are the Standard Bearers of the Democratic Party. So, ultimately reparations also means holding the Democratic Party accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama.

We must come to realize that neither Party has our interests at heart. Just at the Republican Party is deemed to be racist, the Democratic Power can now be seen in its "racist glory." The Clintons are so self-serving that they will bloody up Senator Obama so that he cannot win the general election...so that she can run again in 2012. But, to attain reparations we must ensure that the irreparable breach Rep. Clyburn described actually comes to pass.

Reparations means holding the Clintons (yes, Hillary and Bill) accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. And, the Clintons are the Democratic Party - so, reparations means holding the Democratic Party accountable if the nomination is stolen from Senator Obama. This breach is the opportunity we need to empower the Community and attain our reparations...because, by this breach we may begin to take a closer analysis of policy and platforms - rather than simple Party Affiliation.

What do you think? How should Party Affiliation impact the Black Community? Can the Black Community afford to be governed by strict Party Allegiance? Chime in on our Reparative Forum. Or, join our Facebook, LinkedIn, BlackPlanet or Plaxo groups. Together we can make advances for political and economic empowerment.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means "Squeezing" Black Clinton Supporters

I saw this on CNN earlier today.

There was a report that Black supporters of Hillary Clinton claim feeling "the squeeze" from their family and friends who support Senator Obama. I immediately thought: they should feel the squeeze. Here's why:

Everyone says that on the issues they are essentially the same. That being the case, on the issues it does not matter for whom you cast your vote, right? Their policy will be similar. So, after that we must look at the higher issues.

For Black Americans the issue should be clear. Yes, the struggle for Civil Rights was in effect to give us freedom. And yes, you are free to choose. God gave us free choice; and, that choice is to uphold our responsibilities to Him or to shirk them. Period.

The same holds true for the Black Community. Negroes, we are free. Once there was a time when the Slave Trade forced us together. Once there was a time when the horrors of slavery caused us to cling to each other. Yes, even once there was a time when we were forced to be together. And, when that forced togetherness was uprooted, there came the time when we ran to get away from each other.

And now, we are free to choose. We are free to choose whether we will continue to push for the Cause of our people or if we will be satisfied with our own wellbeing and turn our backs on others. We are free to choose ungratefulness, and turn our backs on the legacy of Martin, Malcolm, Medgar, Emmitt Till and the countless others who have died, been beaten, and suffered so that we could see a Black man rise to these heights. This is not racism: it is our contribution to the legacy of the Civil Rights struggle; it is our way to follow the Lord's commands and honor our mothers and fathers who could not see this day.

Reparations means "squeezing" Black Clinton supporters. The must come to understand where there first loyalties should lay. They say: "Bill Clinton was a friend to the Black Community." They say: "The Clintons are responsible for my political career." But, is it not the struggles of our ancestors - the hardships they faced - that made it even possible for a man like Bill Clinton to be a "friend?" And, what could be more responsible for the political careers of our leaders than the blood of our fathers and mothers, which still stains the walls and streets?

So, it is true that reparations means "squeezing" Black Clinton supporters because we cannot be selfish and defer the dreams of those who continue to hope from their positions in the Upper Room of the struggle. We cannot thwart the dreams of those who wish to see this moment so they - like Simeon - may die in peace, having seen the fulfillment of a sacred promise. Reparations means "squeezing" Black Clinton supporters because we cannot crush the budding dreams of the youth who have so little in which to believe.

We must squeeze them so that they can wake up and come to consciousness. It is our responsibility to squeeze them so they are not found on the wrong side of the struggle. No, this struggle is not purely racial. But, neither was the Civil Rights Movement. Our ancestors did not fight simply for the rights of Black people. But, essentially, the premise of the fight was that the struggle for Civil Rights was integral to the perfection of our Union and the fulfillment of the "Promise of America."

So, put on the squeeze! Awaken the consciousness of our sleeping brothers and sisters. Honor the legacy of our parents in the struggle.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Truly Honoring Dr. King's Legacy

I keep saying this: Senator Obama's campaign is about a great deal more than the presidency. It is, as he said, for "a more perfect Union."

Today we remember that 40 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. And, many gathered in Memphis to remember this day and the man. Many also criticized Senator Obama because he was not in Memphis, but chose rather to be in Indiana.

I too felt a slight twinge, however as I heard his speech I thought of the statement being made. Reparations means truly honoring Dr. King's legacy. It does not mean heading to Memphis to hold hands and sing "We Shall Overcome." It is not about being at the site of his assassination and walking his last steps. It is not even about talking solely about the man.

Dr. King understood that the movement was more important than any one person. And, the movement is still more important than any one person.

When we remember Jesus Christ, it is not enough to simply go to the site of His Crucifixion and return home. It is more important to carry forth the message of love and redemption, right? And, who would not be compelled to say how much of a more dedicated and Christian life they will live while standing on that Holy Ground? Yet, who - once returning home - actually follows through?

We can all live good lives when everyone is looking!

So, as we remember Dr. King it is important to set foot on hollowed ground. But, it is more important to carry forth the message and to pass forward the mission. And, the message is not only for Black people. The message is not only for Memphis. The message is also for Indiana, and for the Nation. Indeed the message is for the world.

Reparations means truly honoring Dr. King's legacy. And, Senator Obama took that message to a people who otherwise might not have been exposed to that coverage. Days like this should be days of "remembering action." What is the point of remembering the struggles and sacrifice if we do not bring to bear the present applications?

What would be the point of remembering Christ's Crucifixion if we were not compelled to serve others? Should we use His Crucifixion as an opportunity to carry His message to others? In that same vain we should use King's assassination as an opportunity for us to carry his message to others.

So, let us talk about why Dr. King was killed. Let us engage in dialogue about the issues that still plague us. Let us give ourselves to the noble cause of perfecting this Country.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations and THE Reason (Pat Buchanan) Dialogue is Needed

Okay, I admit: I'm a bit late on this.

I guess when I heard it I was in a daze - unable to believe such idiocy could come out the mouth of anyone "respected" enough to be a commentator on what seemed to be a credible station (MSNBC). But, my friends at the AfroSpear have called me to consciousness.

Here are Pat's comments:

“Barack says we need to have a conversation about race in America. Fair enough. But this time, it has to be a two-way conversation. White America needs to be heard from, not just lectured to. This time, the Silent Majority needs to have its convictions, grievances and demands heard. And among them are these:

First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known. Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American.

Second, no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the ’60s on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream."

What is mind-boggling is that Pat Buchanan claims to be a conservative. For a conservative to be siting welfare, food stamps, poverty programs and the like to be touted as efforts by White Americans to uplift the Black community is beyond comprehension.

In one of his blog postings, Pat says:

"What are Barack’s moral credentials to instruct white folks on what they must do, when he failed to do what any decent father should have done: Take his wife and daughters out of a church where hate had a home in the pulpit?"

This begs the question: would Pat agree that there are very few decent White fathers in past generations? I mean, did they remove their wives and children from those churches who called Blacks inferior? Did they remove their families from those circles that said Blacks were deserving of maltreatment, deserving of lynching? Did those fathers stop their families from being corrupted by public lynchings? Maybe this picture will help you answer that question:

Look at all of those decent fathers, harvesting their "strange fruit." Or, is Pat Buchanan saying that the words spoken by Jeremiah Wright are worse for the Country than the actions of this photo and numerous other similar actions.

Reparations means you take this email address: LindaMuller@Buchanan.org and let her know what you think of Pat Buchanan's ridiculous comments.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations means Addressing the US's "Birth Defect"

I haven't heard this story on any of the major media circles...maybe we'll hear it later tonight. But, you need to know. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has now chimed in on Senator Obama's speech on race.

Many have criticized Condoleeza Rice for - simply - being a Black Republican, and also for being associated with President Bush. Yet, she - especially as Secretary of State - has shown that she has not forgotten the struggle. And, it might be a superficial gesture. But, it was a gesture that she did not have to take. And, it is a gesture that gives more wind to the dialogue on Race in America...providing a platform for us to engage the larger society in a meaningful discussion.

Reparations means addressing the US's "Birth Defect."

Today, the Secretary of State called slavery this Country's "birth defect," stating: "Africans and Europeans came here and founded this country together - Europeans by choice and Africans in chains. That's not a very pretty reality of our founding."

The stage is being set for us to engage in a new debate about what reparations means. Addressing the US's "birth defect" is key to understanding the legacy given us by America's founding reality. At every turn we should be pushing our organizations to engage in inter-community discussions. Senator Obama has sparked the discussion on the National scene and within the Democratic Party. Condoleezza Rice has now given platform for the Republican Party to engage this discussion. (Hear it in her own words: here) Are we ready to engage?

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations: Black - Brown Relations

Oh, what a day!

It's funny. In a world where it's taboo for a man to cry, I must admit that this campaign has caused me to tear up on more than one occasion. Today was another such occasion.

Today, Governor Bill Richardson endorsed Senator Obama. And, overtly he had remarkable and beautiful things to say about the Senator. Yet, larger than the language is the symbolism.

Another Clinton supporter - noted Latino community activist Adelfa Callejo - stated that Senator Obama has a problem with Hispanics "because he's Black." There has been a divide wedged by the powers that be to pit Black against Brown, when both of us are in the same boat.

So what is the larger context? Governor Bill Richardson's endorsement is TREMENDOUS! It is a courageous stance…almost as courageous as Barack Obama’s speech. It was a tough move for the Governor to make, but it showed that he’s not afraid of the issue, and is willing to stand with Obama’s appeal for reconciliation and advancement of our Great Union.

We do have separate issues, that must be dealt with singularly. Yet, we do have shared concerns that are best served by a consorted effort. The key is knowing when to join our efforts and when to work on our own.

As a Nationalist, I always have said that we must only stand with those who are willing to stand with us. Governor Bill Richardson showed that he too understands the issues of race in America, and is willing to stand with Senator Obama and not hang him out to dry. With all the history behind the Governor's relationship with the Clinton family, this is a bold move and should be applauded. In the larger context, I see this as the highest profile Brown political leader standing alongside the highest profile Black political leader. To hear him tear up as he made his endorsement made me tear up as well. As a Republican, I wish we had a leader exhibiting that kind of courage on the issues that rest at the core of what hinders our Country from being all it can (and should) be.

So, he - as a Brown man - stood with Obama. Maybe now we can go forward together, Black and Brown, working for change in America and pursuing the perfection of our Country.

Here's a video of today's endorsement: