The Reverend Al Sharpton was quick to call a press conference today in front of the Apollo theatre in Harlem. The historic theatre where the Jackson 5  once performed when they were first embarking on their journey in the entertainment business. A journey that would eventually take Michael Jackson to historic heights making him the most famous Pop music artist in the world.

If you remember Sharpton supported Jackson in his campaign against Sony music heads who he felt mishandled promotion of his last album. Sharpton spoke out against what he called "exploitation of black artists" It was at a press event organized by National Action Network that Michael called Sony music head Tommy Mottola "racist".

As if being a Republican in NYS wasn't hard enough we now have Skelos and Co to thank for the latest episode in what is the continued soap opera of the NY GOP. First the loss of Tedisco now this. So far not a good year for the urban elephants.

As long as we have have these men in power representing NY's 2nd Party you can pretty much bet on continued minority status. At a meeting of Young Republicans not long ago a friend asked me if I could remember the last time there ever was a serious Republican primary challenge to a sitting state senator. Obviously I couldn't think of one. Can You? Democrat state senators are challenged all the time. Incumbents have a high re-election rate but at least the Dems face some opposition from within there own party.