There's more than one way to deface the image of a president. It can be done with spray paint, with words, and thorough the use of an assortment of negative images.It's not enough to do it once. To have a lasting impact, it's important that it's done, over time, again and again--the way that time, rain, and wind, together, can wear down almost any structure that stands in their way.
For our president, that wearing-down, destructive force of time, rain, and wind, has come in the form of the Tea Party Movement. Recently an organization has come to the president's defense--one other than MSNBC, and liberal radio personalities. In an uncharacteristic move, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), apparently fed up with the Tea Party's racist assaults upon this nation's first black president, has backed a resolution to "curb its enthusiasm:"
Tea Party members have used "racial epithets," have verbally abused black members of Congress and threatened them, and protesters have engaged in "explicitly racist behavior" and "displayed signs and posters intended to degrade people of color generally and President Barack Obama specifically," according to the proposed resolution.
"We're deeply concerned about elements that are trying to move the country back, trying to reverse progress that we've made," NAACP spokeswoman Leila McDowell told ABC News. "We are asking that the law-abiding members of the Tea Party repudiate those racist elements, that they recognize the historic and present racist elements that are within the Tea Party movement."
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, in coordination with 170 other groups, including labor unions, is planning a protest march in Washington, D.C., Oct. 2 as the next step in building momentum against the Tea Party.The "One Nation" march is designed as an antithesis to the Tea Party, and it's about "pulling America together and back to work," McDowell said. More here
Now that the resolution has been adopted by those attending the NAACP's annual convention, it was not surprising that the Tea Party leadership, and other supporters, Fox News for one (no surprises there), are condemning the NAACP for their stance, and for calling for the Tea Party to repudiate those racist elements in its midst.
I applaud the NAACP for the resolution. Other groups should follow its example, and insist that the Tea Party distance itself from this kind of racist behavior by calling it out, and condemning it.
But that won't be happening, and here is why:
The wave of public acclaim that swept Obama into the White House had to be met with a force equal to, or greater than, lest he and Democrats for the next five national elections continue to ride high in the hearts and minds of the American people.
This offense to the Republican party, and conservatism, could not stand, and would not stand.
Liberalism was a bigger threat to the sanctity of the American Way, the Holy Grail of the U.S. Constitution, and the honored memory of our Sainted Forefathers who fashioned this document to govern the affairs of men--than al-Qaeda, the Iranians and their persistent effort to enrich uranium to build nuclear bombs with which to destroy us and Israel.
This threat wasn't lost on Rush Limbaugh. His was the first shot across the bow of Obama's freshly formed "regime," which was soon picked up in sundry incarnations:
"I want him to fail."
Sensing that the Republican party had played too nicey-nicey, allowing the liberal (now socialist) takeover of the presidency and the congress, the Tea Party Movement (more edgy, and more conservative than the mainstream) was given birth.
They in the movement had one goal: Topple Obama.
If he was seen as an icon (Shatter his image!). If he was a unifier (Brand him a racist!). If he galvanized a crowd with words alone (Call him the anti-Christ!).
For months now the destruction of a president and his party has been well under way, the assaults occurring daily--here a little, and there a little, a chipping here and a whittling there.
And the method has been sinister, a Machiavellian plot that Machiavelli himself would have endorsed, and would have been proud to call his own.
The opposition party resorted to several tactics, using a stratagem that would be the envy of Tricky Dick, were he alive, and will, over time, be inducted into the Hall of Fame of Dirty Tricks
The method was simplicity itself: The Tea Party Goers would, until the next national election, put all their collective energies toward the following: the radicalization, the Islamization, the socialismization, the Hitlerization, the blackenization, the racialization, the foreignization*, of Obama.
It didn't matter that, by associating Obama with Hitler and the holocaust, that it marginalized both--the horror that emerged as concentration camps, and the mass extermination of Jews, and the evil that was Hitler and the Nazi Party.
Predictions have it, from the White House Press Secretary himself, Robert Gibbs, that the Fall elections could result in a hand over of the keys to the U.S. House of Representatives to Republicans.
Although I, for one, am not certain of the outcome of the election for the House or the Senate come this Fall, I have never underestimated the power of bad press, and its destructive potential, especially when those who would wield it, wield it unscrupulously, and with deadly intentions.
A late but timely revision to this blog entry, thanks to "Blinders Off". If you watch only one You Tube video this week, this is it: "What if the Tea Party was Black"? Who says our young people aren't paying attention.
*Some words created just for this blog entry.
26 comments:
BD,
Here's my take on this. First, I think your analysis about the mission of these elements to cast Obama as the "other" is spot on. I do think that the adminstration and its supporters made a strategic error however by allowing the tea party and the associated elements (it's not working alone here) to shape the battlefield without putting forth a response earlier. The administration has been taking a flailing in the press for at least 12 months straight while not mustering much of a response either directly or through surrogates and now find themselves playing catchup a few months before the fall elections. There should have been a response earlier.
I think its also a strategic error for the NAACP to take these elements on the race issue as that's something they've been trying to force since day one. These guys want the race issue so they can play it with their base and that needs to be denied to them. Instead, they need to find some sympathetic whites who will do that heavy lifting for them. The NAACP and other black groups should challenge these guys straight up on policy IMO. In other words, go at them where they don't expect the us to go. Challenge them on the notion of socialism and the other sloganeering that they do that lacks substantial support. What is it that you mean by Nazism? They need to be forced into an intellectual debate on policy. There's little intellect so they can't win. They need to talk to and out a few of their supporters so it's clear to everyone that there's really no intellectual heft, but just a bunch of dumb followers. They need to take this Nazism thing and flip the script on them and show them to be more Nazi like in their behavior than anyone. A multi-front and a mult-pronged sustained attack on the policy front is what's needed to take them down. They have no ideas, just slogans and they're vulnerable on that.
Obama needs to move into campaign mode. He failed to realize that the opponents never stopped campaigning while he did. So, going out and have those 80,000+ crowds coming out is what he needs to do. The NAACP is not going to pull this off alone. More hands on deck will definitely be needed for this one.
@Greg L: "I do think that the adminstration and its supporters made a strategic error however by allowing the tea party and the associated elements (it's not working alone here) to shape the battlefield without putting forth a response earlier."
I agree: They (the administration and its supporters) underestimated the tenacity of the enemy. Anyone could predict that the Gulf oil spill would blow up in Obama/their face, if he/they failed to get out in front of it.
"I think its also a strategic error for the NAACP to take these elements on the race issue as that's something they've been trying to force since day one."
Given that this country leads with race, I think it would exact more damage, if we sit back and (as you suggested wouldn't be in Obama's best interest), allow the Tea Party to "shape the battlefield."
We have nothing to lose (We can't get any farther behind.), and we may elicit respect, if not there's, at least our own.
We haven't seen eye to eye over when and how blacks should respond to racism.
I advocate a frontal approach, especially since it's out there and in our faces, while it appears that you'd prefer that we sidestep it, and focus on other issues.
You make some good points for your position, but "baiting" or no baiting, I think perception is everything. And if we're perceived as weak, attacking issues other than racism, when racism is causal for the other issues, is to be seen as capitulating.
"Instead, they need to find some sympathetic whites who will do that heavy lifting for them. The NAACP and other black groups should challenge these guys straight up on policy IMO."
Not necessarily for them, but in tandem.
Where is the Jewish community and organizations? Obama is attacked with the Tea Party evoking the holocaust and Hitler, marginalizing both, and we don't hear from them. At least not to my knowledge.
What's up with that!
***More***
***Cont.***
"They have no ideas, just slogans and they're vulnerable on that."
I agree. But I wouldn't limit the extent of the fight, or narrow the focus, just because it may appeal to the Tea Party base.
Their base is already predisposed to bringing down Obama (You've seen the signs, placards, and items on sale!), and to using whatever is at their disposal, including his race.
A perceived attack by the NAACP (a mostly black organization), even on non-racial issues, will rally the troops, and circle the wagons.
"So, going out and have those 80,000+ crowds coming out is what he needs to do."
If he still can in this political, economic climate that has seen a rating's drop for him in the approval category.
"The NAACP is not going to pull this off alone. More hands on deck will definitely be needed for this one."
I'd like to seem them try, although I agree, the greater the numbers the better.
The NAACP's popularity in the black community has been slipping over the years, what better way to win over the populace, black or otherwise, than to be seen as standing for something, and actually taking the fight to the enemy.
For their most recent actions, my respect for them has soared. If they keep it up, they may be able to count on me for an annual donation.
The NAACP need to return to its roots, as fighters for social justice, and against racism in all its ugly forms, institutional or otherwise.
They need to show the community that they're still relevant, and not afraid to go against any group, and actually advance "colored people's" interest, rather than play it too cautiously for fear that their efforts will embolden the enemy or add to their ranks.
Had the group thought that when they were an effective front for black civil justice during their twentieth-century color-line battles, Jim Crow would still be front and center, and a force to be reckoned with.
If we can't count on the NAACP to combat racism, and call it out, who in the black community can we count on?
I have stated many times before that we are seeing the opening rounds of struggle over America's identity as a nation period. It is not just about Obama being the leader of the nation.
The idea of this country being seen as multi-colored, with people being protected while in the pursuit of happiness, is not what the dominant culture wants to see happening.
Consider how the charge is being lead from out of the dominant culture. All of the elements that make their culture feel justified to protect their interests have been unleashed. If there was an alert on race relations in this nation, it would be on tense with a possibility of eruption in progres.
The idea of socialism, people of color are growing into the majority and it is going to happen in this century, the fear of what might happen if there is an internal confrontation would break out, and the belief that this nation is the sole product of their culture is one hell of a fire starter. The Boomer aged males are the ones who are very well versed in much progress has been made by the other groups of Americans. They are also using a lot of the rhetoric that was openly expressed towards each other during the Black Power Movement.
The scene is nothing new. This is how we have responded to issues that we are not in agreement over.
The racism that is displayed has never been out of our interactions.
The only unexpected turn that I have seen is the likness of Obama to Hitler. They are pulling out every historical reference that created fear, loathing and eventually war.
The NAACPs motivates to openly condem the openly display of racism in the Tea Party is not that impressive to me. The NAACP has been openly taunted in the public because they had not openly responded to the overt racism. The established Black leadership has just decided to respond to the taunts.
The October march is to counter the march that Glenn Beck is leading. He has used every available baiting technique to force a response. This is so 1960s in the set up. A show of support by having masses of people in the public view.
So what? The march is not the way I want to address the issues. Because this is the method we have used for generations of Americans to deal with issues. I've listened to the speeches so many times before. So what? I would rather see a secret society of Black people go somewhere to meet and agree to become the talented tenth that is honestly needed.
The Tea Party has overtly used racism since their ranks took to the streets. We've seen it. So have the leaders of every organization in this nation. The racism is multi-ethinic and ugly. The response time needed to be on rapid a year ago.
I do not get caught up in the style of response that this generation of leaders use to mobilize mass support. It is not solving problems. I would rather see the money that is going to be spent to go march in D.C. be pooled into an economic tool for our benefit. Going to march is a money venture. Traveling, is just the beginning of the spending chain. I know from being a grassroots organizer for those types of marches. There are human need requirements that have to be planned for and funded. I can have my say about the overt racism whenever I feel inclined to do so.
I just think it is time for us to do some homeland security that takes our well-being into mind. Instead of staying active in the response and reaction mode, it makes more sense to be actively engaged in pooling resources to be in the position of doing more for ourselves.
I have stated many times before that we are seeing the opening rounds of struggle over America's identity as a nation period. It is not just about Obama being the leader of the nation.
The idea of this country being seen as multi-colored, with people being protected while in the pursuit of happiness, is not what the dominant culture wants to see happening.
Consider how the charge is being lead from out of the dominant culture. All of the elements that make their culture feel justified to protect their interests have been unleashed. If there was an alert on race relations in this nation, it would be on tense with a possibility of eruption in progres.
The idea of socialism, people of color are growing into the majority and it is going to happen in this century, the fear of what might happen if there is an internal confrontation would break out, and the belief that this nation is the sole product of their culture is one hell of a fire starter. The Boomer aged males are the ones who are very well versed in much progress has been made by the other groups of Americans. They are also using a lot of the rhetoric that was openly expressed towards each other during the Black Power Movement.
The scene is nothing new. This is how we have responded to issues that we are not in agreement over.
The racism that is displayed has never been out of our interactions.
The only unexpected turn that I have seen is the likness of Obama to Hitler. They are pulling out every historical reference that created fear, loathing and eventually war.
The NAACPs motivates to openly condem the openly display of racism in the Tea Party is not that impressive to me. The NAACP has been openly taunted in the public because they had not openly responded to the overt racism. The established Black leadership has just decided to respond to the taunts.
The October march is to counter the march that Glenn Beck is leading. He has used every available baiting technique to force a response. This is so 1960s in the set up. A show of support by having masses of people in the public view.
So what? The march is not the way I want to address the issues. Because this is the method we have used for generations of Americans to deal with issues. I've listened to the speeches so many times before. So what? I would rather see a secret society of Black people go somewhere to meet and agree to become the talented tenth that is honestly needed.
The Tea Party has overtly used racism since their ranks took to the streets. We've seen it. So have the leaders of every organization in this nation. The racism is multi-ethinic and ugly. The response time needed to be on rapid a year ago.
I do not get caught up in the style of response that this generation of leaders use to mobilize mass support. It is not solving problems. I would rather see the money that is going to be spent to go march in D.C. be pooled into an economic tool for our benefit. Going to march is a money venture. Traveling, is just the beginning of the spending chain. I know from being a grassroots organizer for those types of marches. There are human need requirements that have to be planned for and funded. I can have my say about the overt racism whenever I feel inclined to do so.
I just think it is time for us to do some homeland security that takes our well-being into mind. Instead of staying active in the response and reaction mode, it makes more sense to be actively engaged in pooling resources to be in the position of doing more for ourselves.
You make some good points for your position, but "baiting" or no baiting, I think perception is everything. And if we're perceived as weak, attacking issues other than racism, when racism is causal for the other issues, is to be seen as capitulating.
I definitely don't advocate capitulating BD, but I do believe that these guys are attempting to position us on the battlefield shaped by them on the race issue in an effort to take down the administration--just like they've attempted to do with the crap on the Panthers. Yes, we know there are racist elements among them and yes, some of the motivation for their entire existence is the race issue. It's an attempt to make than issue THE issue, when it's really not. For sure, these folks aren't enamored with having a black president, but race in America was always a proxy for furthering economic aims from slavery right on till today. It's not that they're just hating on black folks..there are economic interests that are ultimately behind this that are using a non issue to mask the real issues the nation faces IMO.
There's a reason why the Jewish community is silent in the face of the Nazi comparison. There's a reason why the mainstream republicans are silent. Both know this is a bunch of BS, but this is the tactic that's being used to further a purpose much larger than race.
This is why I feel that the NAACP need not position itself as as prop for this as the Panthers were positioned. We need to play smart and strategic here. The debate needs to shift away from race to a a full multi-pronged frontal assault on their policies and pronouncements. Everything they've said and done from the stances on socialism, economics and the very ideas they espouse need to be challenged.
As of this writing, the NAACP seems to be backtracking on this issue now according to some.
msladydeborah and Greg L, I think I can respond to the two you at the same time: You both make pretty much the same case, but msladydeborah, yours is (sorry Greg L) more impassioned.
msladydeborah I was so moved by your post, I think it deserves a larger readership, and should (if I might humbly suggest) be featured on your own blog, just as you have presented it here.
I don't disagree with either you or Greg L. And at the end of the day, not to engage on the issue of racism may be the best tactic to pursue, but, to be honest, I'm not yet a thousand percent there yet.
But we shall see. I'm fluid on the subject.
"Both know this is a bunch of BS, but this is the tactic that's being used to further a purpose much larger than race."
Greg L, I agree: Much is hidden from view, and the players behind the scenes are pulling the strings for their own malevolent interests (malevolent, I say, because their actions benefit a few at the expense of the many).
I could name some of the players, but out of an abundance of caution I won't at this time.
"I just think it is time for us to do some homeland security that takes our well-being into mind. Instead of staying active in the response and reaction mode, it makes more sense to be actively engaged in pooling resources to be in the position of doing more for ourselves."
You'll get no argument from me on this, msladydeborah. If we could pool our trust, we could pool our resources, our intellectual, monetary (which is mainly what this nation respects), and manpower resources.
Our depressed economy (in many ways) yields up many untapped investment opportunities for those with the wherewithal to take judicious advantage of them.
Think what ten thousand dollars from a million blacks, all operating in concert, and unity of purpose, could bring to bear, as the beginning of a new black economy that serves us, and not those whose primary purpose is to exploit only.
I thank you and Greg L. You have given me much to ruminate on, which is one the better uses of blogs.
Of course, the "Tea Party" is a Republican front group, rather than any kind of grassroots organization. What I think we are seeing is the RNC following the tried and true tactic invented by the CIA of "plausible deniability" where they can foment all kinds of dangerous racist hysteria and not have to answer for it. They installed a stooge to show a black face to the world while they try to get their base riled up with racial and historical jibberish.
The whole point, as always, is to shift the debate rightward. We can't let them do this, but since they own the airwaves...which march on DC do you think is going to get more corporate media coverage?
@Ernesto: "[W]hich march on DC do you think is going to get more corporate media coverage?"
Fox News is going to be all over the T-Party march, MS-NBC not so much for the NAACP one, unless both sides go all gangster with chains, knives, and such.
Chris Matthews, MS-NBC, went so far as to put together a documentary on the T-Party, tracing the history, growth, and impact of the group, as though it deserved this kind of in-depth coverage.
It doesn't.
Both Fox News and MS-NBC cover this group way out of proportion to their importance.
I think it drives the ratings for both media organizations.
Therefore, both media giants have a vested interest in keeping the T-Party's supposed threat to Dems and Repubs front and center.
Democrats and Republicans are being played like a fiddle, but they go along: Both sides, Right and Left, like the lyrics, and can't get that tune out of their head.
@Greg L: "As of this writing, the NAACP seems to be backtracking on this issue now according to some."
If it does, it will miss out on the media spotlight (what little spotlight that will be thrown its way). See my comment to Ernesto.
The T-Party is more a media creation than a self-creation. All three media giants see in it a ratings bonanza.
The only time I've seen the NAACP in the news (leadership brought onto shows to discuss issues) is when it has done something controversial--endorse California's marijuana initiative, or called the T-baggers out for their racist elements.
With nothing controversial to say, to support, or to do, I'm afraid the NAACP's message will not be televised.
I thank you and Greg L. You have given me much to ruminate on, which is one the better uses of blogs.
Yes, one of the better purposes of blogs to to exchange ideas and that's the main reason why I blog. I seek to learn from others, so I thank you as well.
The T-Party is more a media creation than a self-creation. All three media giants see in it a ratings bonanza...The only time I've seen the NAACP in the news sues) is when it has done something controversial..With nothing controversial to say, to support, or to do, I'm afraid the NAACP's message will not be televised.
I'll probably have a blog post going up shortly about the latest incident between the tea party's Mark Williams and the NAACP.
The NAACP is not strategically positioned to address much of anything IMO, BD. That's not to suggest that they're the only ones with this problem. For the most part, there are very few groups who represent our interests who are positioned properly. Since they're not positioned as they need to be, they're largely irrelevant to the issues of concern to black folks today.
It's that poor positioning that allowed Mark Williams to get the better of them here recently in the skirmish with the tea party. Make no mistake, these people know exactly what they're doing and the NAACP or no one else should step in the ring unless they've done the homework and have positioned themselves to go the distance. The only position the NAACP is in at this point is to be a prop in someone else's play.
The strategic position they need to be in is one of addressing relevant needs in the community and the only need is not racism. Again, I'm not picking on them as this is the deal with every group or politician who purports to represent our interests. This is the mission for all of us. Just as Malcolm said, we must control the politics and economics of our community. It is our failure to do that which limits what we can debate about as well as our strategic positioning. So because we've not done what we've needed to do, the only game we can run is the one around racism, hence the only thing the NAACP can offer is in that context. A case in point was the support for legalization of marijuana in California; they were for it because the "racist" justice system jailed so many of our folks for it.
The day is now over when that will not be responded to. If the NAACP or other groups cry racism, they'll be accused of reverse racism (which is BS)and irrelevancy (which is true).
The biggest problem with the NAACP and the Urban League is their funding base. They would not exist if it were not for the largess of corporate America as the bulk of their funding comes from that area rather than from us. This means that they can be easily shutdown because we don't control their economics. This is why the Tea Party and other folks treat them with so little respect. Of course, if they were funded 100%by our people, that would be a different deal. IMO, their funding base and their lack of relevancy are inextricably linked. They can't talk about certain things for fear of losing funding but they can't gain widespread support in the African American community until they are relevant. To be relevant to the needs of black folks would run counter to the interests of those who fund them now.
Again, this is known and that's their vulnerability.
G
I thank you and Greg L. You have given me much to ruminate on, which is one the better uses of blogs.
Yes, one of the better purposes of blogs to to exchange ideas and that's the main reason why I blog. I seek to learn from others, so I thank you as well.
The T-Party is more a media creation than a self-creation. All three media giants see in it a ratings bonanza...The only time I've seen the NAACP in the news sues) is when it has done something controversial..With nothing controversial to say, to support, or to do, I'm afraid the NAACP's message will not be televised.
I'll probably have a blog post going up shortly about the latest incident between the tea party's Mark Williams and the NAACP.
The NAACP is not strategically positioned to address much of anything IMO, BD. That's not to suggest that they're the only ones with this problem. For the most part, there are very few groups who represent our interests who are positioned properly. Since they're not positioned as they need to be, they're largely irrelevant to the issues of concern to black folks today.
It's that poor positioning that allowed Mark Williams to get the better of them here recently in the skirmish with the tea party. Make no mistake, these people know exactly what they're doing and the NAACP or no one else should step in the ring unless they've done the homework and have positioned themselves to go the distance. The only position the NAACP is in at this point is to be a prop in someone else's play.
The strategic position they need to be in is one of addressing relevant needs in the community and the only need is not racism. Again, I'm not picking on them as this is the deal with every group or politician who purports to represent our interests. This is the mission for all of us. Just as Malcolm said, we must control the politics and economics of our community. It is our failure to do that which limits what we can debate about as well as our strategic positioning. So because we've not done what we've needed to do, the only game we can run is the one around racism, hence the only thing the NAACP can offer is in that context. A case in point was the support for legalization of marijuana in California; they were for it because the "racist" justice system jailed so many of our folks for it.
The day is now over when that will not be responded to. If the NAACP or other groups cry racism, they'll be accused of reverse racism (which is BS)and irrelevancy (which is true).
The biggest problem with the NAACP and the Urban League is their funding base. They would not exist if it were not for the largess of corporate America as the bulk of their funding comes from that area rather than from us. This means that they can be easily shutdown because we don't control their economics. This is why the Tea Party and other folks treat them with so little respect. Of course, if they were funded 100%by our people, that would be a different deal. IMO, their funding base and their lack of relevancy are inextricably linked. They can't talk about certain things for fear of losing funding but they can't gain widespread support in the African American community until they are relevant. To be relevant to the needs of black folks would run counter to the interests of those who fund them now.
Again, this is known and that's their vulnerability.
G
Black Diaspora, thanks for this post and also, the comments have been very helpful to in trying to sort this out. Greg L's last comment about funding was something I didn't know, and the fact of relevancy and power makes a lot of sense. As I am trying to figure this all out, I can't help thinking that this is the kind of time when all people of good conscience should be taking a stand against this latest development from Williams, somehow he does remind me of the time of George Wallace.
Hi Kathy. I will attempt to respond to you and Greg L simultaneously.
I will speak as candidly as I can, without divulging too much that could trouble the waters.
In this country as you both know, money is power and power is money. This is why Greg L says that blacks aren't positioned to maximize their effectiveness, the money that funds our activism comes from outside the black community:
"The NAACP is not strategically positioned to address much of anything IMO, BD. That's not to suggest that they're the only ones with this problem. For the most part, there are very few groups who represent our interests who are positioned properly."
Jews not only were co-founders of the NAACP, but were some of that groups initial donors.
I suspect that very little of that has changed over the years. If you're not familiar with the history of the group, or the Niagara Movement, check it out.
At its beginning, it was hard to distinguish the group as a black, or, as was commonly used then, a colored group or organization.
At its forming, it was mostly Jewish Americans that constituted the leadership, making it more a Jewish American organization than black, despite its name.
Ostensibly, Jewish Americans and blacks shared a common enemy, and the destruction of that enemy, or rendering him harmless, benefited both.
It was why I posed the question upthread: Why aren't Jewish Americans speaking out? The use of of the holocaust and Hitler to cast President Obama as other, and anti-American, marginalizes this horrific chapter in their history.
Since blacks aren't the major donors to the NAACP, I suspect that Jewish Americans still represent some of their largest donors.
So it's inconceivable to me that NAACP leadership went forward with a resolution to condemn the racist elements in the T-Party without first consulting those donors.
Clearly, those influential donors gave the NAACP the greenlight on this resolution, or it would never have happened.
Those donors may now, for whatever reason, be having misgivings, or buyer's remorse, but only time will tell.
Until blacks own their own message (pay for its dissemination), we will always have to yield to those who financially back our various ventures.
This is Greg L's concern, and mine as well.
***Continued***
Which brings me to this: President Obama's ascension to the presidency was equally orchestrated.
He was hand picked, and groomed, for this purpose. His rise was to break the back of racism in this country.
Knowing this, we're seeing through the T-baggers Movement, and T-Party Nation, an effort to counter this event, in some of the ugliest and vilest means possible, to counter what this momentous event has meant, an event that not only advanced "colored people," but white people as well.
We'll never be able to go back to what was, no matter how retroactive, or regressive the T-party becomes, or whatever supposed American values the group espouse, or seek to reinstate.
It's not by accident that Beck is calling his Washington rally in August, "Restoring Honor," and Al Sharpton's counter rally, "Restoring the Dream."
Much of what T-bagger Nation wants is to 'restore' state rights. It's not just the so-called runaway spending that has them all worked up, it's states rights vs. Federal hegemony.
We're seeing it being played out now--in Arizona with the new "papers please law," the constitutional right (equal protection under the law) of the gay community to marry, and in the Gulf where Obama has called for a drilling moratorium.
And we saw it being played out in the passage of the recent health-care reform legislation.
If you haven't noticed, Hollywood has been doing a bit of social engineering for a time now. It has, through various television and movie projects, conditioned all Americans, white and black, for the concept, and inevitability, of a black president and a woman president.
They're conditioning the acceptance of homosexuality, and bi-racial relationships, going counter to the prevailing cultural values extant during most of the last century, as well as now.
Blacks know all of this outright, or on an intuitive level. We pay attention. We have to.
Fantastic post and comments BD!
We not only have to pay attention to what is going on nationally when it comes to racist in government, we have to confront them head on locally. Hoods been traded in for suits and many of them are elected politicians. We have to open up our eyes and confront it head on.
Check your email
@Blinders Off: "Hoods been traded in for suits and many of them are elected politicians. We have to open up our eyes and confront it head on."
For years, that's been my approach. But I try to listen to all sides, just in case this old dog needs to learn a new trick.
I mentioned the Niagara Movement in a previous post upthread. One of the reasons that Movement fizzled was the infighting over the direction the organization should take--should blacks agitate for political and social parity (W.E.B. Du Bois' position), or wait until after a suitable time had elapsed, after blacks had demonstrated a preparedness and fitness to join the ranks of whites as equals (Booker T. Washington's position).
Remember we weren't long out of slavery when the group was formed.
Du Bois' position prevailed. No one is suggesting today that blacks should patiently wait their turn--but the black community is still uncertain, and divided, as to how best to move its interest forward.
BD,
Du Bois' position prevailed. No one is suggesting today that blacks should patiently wait their turn--but the black community is still uncertain, and divided, as to how best to move its interest forward.
You hit the nail on the head!
I think an error in thinking has evolved here. They expect the NAACP to attack them on racism, you say this like its a bad thing, it is not. Actually if anything the reason why the tea party and rush have been so emboldened is because for much of the last 20 years the NAACP has spent more time pestering young black people about where they were taking the culture. Like instead of attacking the overt racism still in play getting TV time showing that they were in charge of black folks was more important, showing that they were the leaders.
Just because somebody knows a hit is coming doesn't mean you don't hit them, it just means you hit them harder. They've said there are racist elements but thanks to Mark Williams saying "Everybody at a Tea Party rally is a leader" that means that he just admitted that the Tea party leadership is racist. Hell he himself has shown himself to be a racist.
There has been this foolish trend lately to defend why you called somebody a racist, and to you know not call them a racist like somehow calling people on their crap makes you the bad guy. If you said it, did it, were involved in it guess what I don't care whats in your heart I'm looking at what you did. What you did was racist, you want to trot out the list of non racist crap you've done in the past lets see it, the whole list. Yes I will sit there and wait, I don't care I want you wasting your time, I want you to show me that this was an isolated, bone headed one time incident. And just like with Sherryl Sherrod they played it daily I want them asked everyday, I want them pounded on it. Same as in the election you want to go out here on that ledge I'm not letting you back in until you are stripped naked.
Why are we worried about firing them up because they know it's racist and thats what they expect, wait is it because we want this to be an easy fight. Have we forgotten what it took to get this far, do we need to start looking up news footage. Do we really need to see the dogs again, the fire hoses, the trees ignited with black men and women hanging from ropes? This is night an easy fight, this is never gonna be an easy fight. If you are not prepared for the ugliness I want to know what fight you think you are about to see. This is not for the faint of heart, the other side has rapid pit bulls and rottweilers who have been dieing for red meat.
This is a fight just like you knew Tyson was gonna hit you with that two piece in his prime and put you on the ground same thing now. It isn't about if you expect it or not it's about if you can survive it and come back for more.
Hey, glad you dropped by. I like your handle, Primaldata. Perhaps one day you'll explain how you came to select it.
"...much of the last 20 years the NAACP has spent more time pestering young black people about where they were taking the culture. Like instead of attacking the overt racism still in play getting TV time showing that they were in charge of black folks was more important..."
Yes, the NAACP has been slow to morph into something other than a legal arm of the black community, a kind of superhero to keep racism at bay (which is now, as you observe, mostly moribund), but failing miserably, of late, at the mission incorporated into its name--the "advancement of colored people."
Black advancement is what I would like to see the group take to heart, and really push.
"They've said there are racist elements but thanks to Mark Williams saying 'Everybody at a Tea Party rally is a leader' that means that he just admitted that the Tea party leadership is racist. Hell he himself has shown himself to be a racist."
Good point.
"It isn't about if you expect it or not it's about if you can survive it and come back for more."
You're right: Strength is a cumulative thing. What's that saying we black folks use: "If it don't kill you, it'll make you stronger!"
Thanks for joining the debate.
BD:
This is just a note
With all the blogs. that I have been reading lately I have found yours to be one of the more interesting ones.
I find myself agreeing with most of your opinions,and look forward to joining the debates in the future.
Thank you Mr. I. M. BLACK. I don't always get it right, but I'm open to, and willing to listen to, other points of views.
I look forward to your participation and your input.
To all my readers: My computer has been glitchy for about a week now, limiting access.
Bear with me: Other blog entries are in the works, and I'll be posting them soon.
Check back often.
I think an error in thinking has evolved here. They expect the NAACP to attack them on racism, you say this like its a bad thing, it is not. Actually if anything the reason why the tea party and rush have been so emboldened is because for much of the last 20 years the NAACP has spent more time pestering young black people about where they were taking the culture. Like instead of attacking the overt racism still in play getting TV time showing that they were in charge of black folks was more important, showing that they were the leaders.
Just because somebody knows a hit is coming doesn't mean you don't hit them, it just means you hit them harder. They've said there are racist elements but thanks to Mark Williams saying "Everybody at a Tea Party rally is a leader" that means that he just admitted that the Tea party leadership is racist. Hell he himself has shown himself to be a racist.
Brother, it's really about how you "hit" them. If you're playing basketball and make the same move every time down court, the defense adjusts. The defense might even adjust enough to force you into that move so they can steal the ball and win the game. If they know your crossover move, they can trap.
If you're playing basketball, the last thing you're going to do is run the same offense all the time.
What I'm saying is this-these folks have long experience with our moves and have their defense and offense set up to deal with it. What we have to gain is the sophistication and the maturity to develop some "other plays", when we know the opposition knows what we might do. We've got to mix it up and change the offense. To win the game, we've got to learn how to do that which is not expected.
For me this is quite unemotional, but it's more analytical and clinical. I don't like getting "gamed" and these folks are gaming us with all these stunts they're pulling. We gotta be smarter and have a game to run other than "race" and "racism". I'm not denying it's there, but it can be dealt with using a different and more expansive offense.
I can't look at politics without laughing. There is so much partisan crap out there that so many people don't seem to know what to believe.
I guess that perception is reality because those on the right will say anything about our president that they can to get a rise out of those voters that don't identify themselves as left leaning or right leaning. It'll be those fence setters that will decide who shall lead in our midterm elections.
As far as the right are concerned though, they sling mud like one might sling food up against the wall. If you throw enough, some is bound to stick.
"I guess that perception is reality...."
And perspective creates "perception," and perception our experiences (oftentimes how we feel about a thing).
If you're liberal, or conservative, that's your perspective, and your perception will flow from that optic.
No matter how much I debate with my brother-in-law and my sister, concerning the reasonableness of some of Obama's policies, they will still insist on seeing them through a Republican and Fox News prism.
It's so hopeless, I rarely make the attempt.
Independents have always represented the "swing votes" in this country, and this is one of the reasons why Robert Gibbs went off on the "Professional Left."
He sees their pleas for more from the Obama administration (pushing it further to the Left) as a threat to that voting bloc which is probably more Right of center, than Left of center, and on whose votes many an election hinge.
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