- Got tips? Send them to tips (at) r8ny (dot) com
- Blog on Room Eight
- sign-up to receive a daily digest by email
- Advertise on Room Eight
- Login / Sign-up
AdvertisementAround Room EightGot Something To Say? Blog It on Room Eight Subscribe
Want a Daily Digest of Room Eight by Email? Sign-up Here! AdvertisersRecent Posts
Advertising SpaceRoom Eight is a member of the NYC BlogAds network. 2008 ContendersBloggersBlog RollNew York Politics National Blogs Misc New Yorkers |
Presidential Debates (DEMS): Does Dr. Lenora Fulani Have a Point Here?
Tonight the democrats are at it again; another debate amongst their presidential hopefuls takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In my estimation this is at least the tenth debate amongst them so far; or maybe it just seems that way. Damn, it is already a long presidential campaign folks. Remember this: frontrunners hate long campaign seasons. Just like frontrunners in horseracing that often fade into the homestretch, often times the late running closers get up in time to win at the wire. Remember John Kerrey; he was in mid-pack when Howard Dean was leading in all the pre-Iowa caucus polls. I think the same can be said about Mike Dukakis, no? Anyway, one person who has been grinding her axe away on the issue of presidential debates is the venerable political activist Dr. Lenora Fulani of New York. Way back in the day, I remember working with one of the organizations to which she was attached (Rainbow Lobby), in support of a presidential debate bill introduced to congress by a Minnesota politican, now deceased (Wellstone). Essentially the bill wanted to open up the debate process (during the general election campaign cycle), to include candidates beyond the Republican and Democrat stranglehold. I agreed with her then, and I am agreeing with her now once again on a similar topic/issue. This time around Fulani’s beef seems to be flavored with a little race-consciousness. She believes that Hilary Clinton is currently being rammed down the throats of blacks and people of color in New York again (my words here), just as it was done in 2000 when they imported her to be the senator. Back then Congressman Charlie Rangel- who in my humble view, is another one of those Neanderthal black electeds who refuses to retire, but should- started the Hilary bandwagon/ express, that saw her whistle stopping through black churches near every weekend, on her way to a decisive victory over former congressman Rick Lazio- a republican- who was born, bred, raised and still living in Long Island. Today, if I were to ask all those grinning negro electeds, and all those shucking and jiving black church leaders, who have mindlessly supported the Clintons over the years, to name the top three initiatives that the Clintons have undertaken, to deal the top ten issues facing blacks in New York: I will only get ivory smiles; not substance or content. Yet they have all helped perpetuate the myth that the Clintons have done so much for black folk here. Give me a break. Look peeps; over the last 40 years, the Kennedy family has quietly done more for blacks in NYC than the Clintons. They have done this with minimum media and fanfare. The Kennedys have used their own personal monies to booth. In the years that the Clintons have “played” New York (“used” is a better word), they are yet to address the deadly assault(s) that police offices have waged on communities of color here. They have also been relatively silent on racial profiling- especially given its deadly consequences. They have failed to address the structural unemployment amongst black males here; nor the fact that black-owned companies doing business with governmental agencies (at both city and state levels), get less than 2% of all the contract work. Gimme a break (again). And let’s not talk about housing issues and the high rate of homelessness here. Let’s not talk about the fact that rents are too damn high; nor the in-affordability of mortgages, and the redlining by banks, and the predatory lending issues, and also the high rates of foreclosures amongst blacks and Hispanics. Let’s not talk about the high prison incarceration rates amongst minorities, and the in-justice system that passes for equality; and racism in its many insidious forms, and the everyday racial discrimination that people of color still face in education, housing, job placement, business opportunities and such. Forget the Jenna Six group; let’s talk about the 48% jobless black male group existing daily within NYC. I could go on and on like the fucking energizer bunny, given that there are so many issues plaguing the metastasizing black community; but I won’t; by now I am sure that you all have caught my drift. There are so many things that I can still list, before even getting to what apologizes for an education system in NYC. In one debate, Hilary Rodham–Clinton made a catchy and slick remark that essentially meant that if HIV/AIDS was a disease afflicting white women more so than black women, something would have been done about it already. Lady please; you and your husband have been walking the corridors of power for decades; in Arkansas, Washington, all over the world, before coming to New York. What have you both specifically done with your power(s), beyond talking a good game? Look, I won’t even go into health issues facing the black and Hispanic communities. And yet this morning, I saw her ass-kissing spokesperson Mr. Wolfson on NBC, saying that Hilary Rodham-Clinton was (get this): a health expert. Gimme another break again (please). There have been many times in the past when I disagreed with Fulani’s positions/actions/views; but there have also been times when I agreed, supported and even worked with her on some issues. Back in the day she worked with Reggie Bowman when they were building juvenile-prisons in Brownsville, instead of high schools. I remember standing with her in 1993, working on an election day to bring out the vote for Colin Moore. I have hated her many hip surgeries; whereby she was joined by the torso, to rich white men like Ross Perot, Mike Bloomberg, Pat Buchanan and Fred Newman. I also detested her many attacks on David Dinkins back in the day. But this time, I kinda / sorta like her idea: pressure both Barack Obama and Hilary Rodham-Clinton into a face to face debate at the Apollo in Harlem. Have them take questions on the major issues facing the black and Hispanic communities in NYC. Don’t let them take blacks and Hispanics for granted as they usually do. Fulani is on to something here; I am not sure what it is, but it is worth considering. Support her on this one folks. Stay tuned-in peeps.  Thanks for your thoughtful and well written response. I grew up in a political family, so political activism has been a lifetime experience for me. I don't know the extent to which you have read my posts here, but if you haven't, then please go to my archives here and read some of my early columns. Your views reflect some of my writings; and yet I have been castigated here and other places (by blacks mainly)for expressing similar opinions; why do you think that happens?
...you've done what my Caribbean parents told me never to do - air your dirty laundry in public! The Black folks who deride you do so because you express opinions with which many Blacks agree, but which they would never utter in public, much less attach their photo to for the world to see. It's really sad - when a White person renders such opinions, it's racism - when a Black person does it, they're an Uncle Tom or worse. In any case, the rhetoric and name calling drowns out any hope for substantive debate. It is very easy (and too simplistic) to blame others for ALL the adverse circumstances in the Black community. And while it is absolutely correct that racism and inequality have hampered many Blacks and completely destroyed others, the bottom line is that there is still much that can be done to improve the Black community from within the Black community. Unfortunately, such improvements require enormous dedication, unyielding perseverance, a collective, unified effort and tons of blood, sweat and tears. Now let's see, which is easier: to roll up one's sleeves and get to work, or blame others? Too many Blacks choose the latter. I, for one, enjoy your reading your blog, Rock. Keep up the good work. You made my day; you really did. Why? Because I honestly don't mind constructive critique; but often times I find blacks here on Room 8 whose only intent (ostensibly) is to attack me. TYVM. I have devoted my life to community activism, public service, political involvement, youth devolopment, sports, civics and the like. I have given time, money, energy, brain power, effort, imagination, sweat, sacrifice, tears, and the like, to many an organization, issue, individual, group or cause over the years. I even put my self in front of the train by running twice for public ofice. i have held many positions in various organizations. This is why I beleieve that I have paid big dues for my right to be on these blogs in order to express myself as I see fit. I have some of the history in my head from being directly involved. My family made many sacrifices in order for me to be politically involved. I have given a lot of blood at the office, and when anonymous commenters come here to ridicule and denigrate me, I do get pissed. Thanks for just listening.
Is this a Hilary Rodham Clinton conspiracy? Who spammed this and deleted some of the comments and now blocks comment?
Rock, Perhaps the most thought-provoking stuff I have read in a long time. As an upstate Conservative who has voted for many a democrat, I long have wondered what the fascination is with the Clintons, especially on the part of the African-American electorate, of which I admittedly am not a member. The fact is, there has been much fawning over but very little constructive criticism of Hillary either as a senator or presidential candidate. The national Democratic party has taken the black vote for granted for years, and that's a shame. But the Clinton's have taken it to a new level, and in their crime of hijacking the vote and in fact agenda of black America they have had no shortage of co-conspirators. Unfortunately, many of these folks are the very same who purport to defend African-Americans against those who would gleefully misappropriate the political capital inherent in legitimate racial issues for their own gain. We have made strides in bridging the gaps between ethnic groups and breaking down racial barriers in this country, but far too slowly. There is much to do, some serious heavy lifting, and it is certainly not in Hillary's best interest to help carry that weight. A courageous, and necessary, post. Frank S: My sentiments exactly. BTW: What is a soft-core conservative like you doing reading this blog (just kidding)lol?
...but someone forwarded to me a copy of an e-mail sent by Senator Clinton to her constituents (with the requisite photo of her surrounded by Black kids) that I thought might be a worthwhile addition to this post. Nevertheless, I screwed up the post. Sorry. In any case, has anyone else noticed that the anonymous commentators who regularly attack Rock Hackshaw are uncharacteristically silent on this post? Although this is no surprise, it IS a shame. After all, there IS intelligent life in the neighborhood offices of the many Black elected officials throughout New York. Can not one person - even anonymously - lend some insight into the issues being addressed in this post? No takers. No surprise. Once again, it's too easy and politically expedient to blame others. And so it is that a non-Black, "upstate Conservative" is one of the few contributions to this post. Frank said that "(w)e have made strides in bridging the gaps between ethnic groups and breaking down racial barriers in this country, but far too slowly." Not only has progress been slow, Frank, but it has been somewhat illusory. For example, why do people pretend that Obama is a viable candidate for President? Because it feels good? Because it makes America look like the land of fairness and equality of opportunity? But really, take a look around. There have been numerous noose-related incidents during the last couple of weeks reported all over the country. Hate crimes abound. The racial and ethnic flamethrowing that has accompanied a proposal concerning the issuing of driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants reached a fevered pitch, and much of that ethnocentric behavior could very easily be directed at Blacks or other minority groups. Can a Black man named Obama Hussein Barack really win the Presidency in such an environment? (It certainly doesn't help that he's a novice candidate for national office and making one misstep after another). Who knows...
FrankS: go back into my archives (blog) and read my three part series on Barack Obama and why he should run for the presidency. I am not coming into this with rose colored glasses.
Point taken, but just as all politics is local, so is all social progress. If I had seen or heard of any of those sorts of reprehensible noose incidents in my area, or other incidents, or if I didn't have the benefit of seeing diversity in my living room every night with my kids and their friends, I might be - like you - cynical. Still, I don't mean to suggest that things are just wonderful. I've been around enough to know they aren't, and aren't likely to be any time soon. But you ask the important question "Can a Black man named Obama Hussein Barack really win the Presidency in such an environment?" I hope so. Will he? I hope not. I am not an Obama supporter but I am a fan. As a middle age middle class white guy, I can see what Joe Biden was trying to say, while decrying what and how he said it. Obama is a force of nature. He is well spoken. Period. He is smart. Period. He is handsome. Period. He stakes out positions based on beliefs and then sticks with them. Period. People who describe him as the black John Kennedy or black Bill Clinton do him, and I think all Americans, a terrible disservice. He deserves, as would anyone with his ability, to be mentioned in that company without reference to race. Would you hear Rudy Guliani described as the Italian Ronald Reagan? OK, bad example. So I hope the answer to your question is yes. I hope Obama can get elected because he is an impressive candidate and he is running a good campaign. But I am under no illusion that his race and name won't play a factor. Rock wants to know what a guy like me is doing reading this blog (I check it out every day after Daily Kos - just kidding) so when I tell you my guy for president is Fred Thompson you will probably laugh. But the truth is that is where my ideology is, so that gets me 50% of the way there. The other 50% of my vote is looking for someone presidential, someone of stature, someone who can "play the part." That's why I can't understand why John Edwards and Barack Obama are not leading Hillary in the democratic polls. If you are looking for ideology, Hillary never makes your short list, and you end up with someone else. Simply, there is nothing there to judge, nothing to analyze. As an electoral suitor, she is far too obsequious for my taste. (What do you think about this, Hillary? Well I don't know, what would you like me to think?) Then you look at the other part of the equation - someone presidential, someone who can inspire, someone who can lead. Does Obama fit that bill? I don't think even his biggest critics try and argue that he doesn't. They just say he's a little young and untested, especially for these trying times. So maybe he's not the black John F. Kennedy. Maybe he's just the new John F. Kennedy, and black besides. In my America, that's the way I'd like it to be, anyway. Rock I read the three part series and find it compelling, if inconsistent with my own philosophy in parts. But whatever happens, I hope that we can all agree that history will regard Obama's candidacy as one of the most important things to happen to America at the dawn of the new century. Frank, Your comments are interesting, and I wish there more like them for me to digest. Frank wrote: "If I had seen or heard of any of those sorts of reprehensible noose incidents in my area, or other incidents, or if I didn't have the benefit of seeing diversity in my living room every night with my kids and their friends, I might be - like you - cynical." Like you, I have the luxury of coming from a diverse family background. But I wonder if you've ever asked your multiethnic family members about their views on race and class, politics and social equality. I think you would be surprised by what you hear. You don't need to personally experience injustice in order to know that they are real, significant impediments to progress. Frank wrote: "(Obama) deserves, as would anyone with his ability, to be mentioned in that company without reference to race." Agreed. However, as you correctly implied, the world doesn't work that way. I have observed firsthand, Frank, political professionals strategically carve up electoral districts down to the street in an attempt to anticipate and target support for one candidate or another. What do you think were the most discussed variables? Race and ethnic background. Socioeconomic standing. Religion. Age. Maybe voting history. The politics of New York City are blatantly tied to these concepts. Read the press. The media often speculate which candidate will get the "Jewish vote" or the "Latino vote." Are things radically different in Iowa or Alabama or in upstate New York where you are? Maybe they are just quieter, as they are discussed mostly behind closed doors and shuttered windows. I think you should inform the people about what REALLY goes on behind those doors and windows, Frank. And don't be hesitant about it, because most human beings will NEVER visit forums such as Room Eight. In fact, that's a nice segue into the following... Frank wrote: "That's why I can't understand why John Edwards and Barack Obama are not leading Hillary in the democratic polls." Because we live in the age of entertainment and technology. Keep the people entertained, Frank, and they won't see - or won't mind - the wool being pulled over their eyes. It's ironic. In days past, public officials (both good and bad) relied on the apathy of most of the population in order to achieve their ends (again, both good and bad). Now the opposite is true. The public is flooded with information and they don't or can't pay attention to everything. But the end result is the same. Clinton is a rock star, and that helps her keep frontrunner status. People overlook the many ways that President Bush has eroded constitutional protections that have existed for a hundred years but will literally sleep on the sidewalk outside of a commercial establishment overnight in order to be the first to obtain the latest technological innovation. I love technology and entertainment, too, but come on... Frank wrote: "I hope that we can all agree that history will regard Obama's candidacy as one of the most important things to happen to America." I happily (if not cynically) agree. FRANK: I agree that Obama's candidacy is one of the most important things to happen to the good ole USA. But then I also believe that Jesse Jackson's presidential bid paved the way for all this, and as such, his candidacy was as important. The main difference is that Obama's chances of pulling off a miracle are a thousand times better. I do hope that Obama wins the nomination and later becomes our next president; however I know that his chances of pulling off these two feats are less than slim: they are anorexic. Still, I hope; because I am audacuious enough to do so; and because I will always keep hope alive. Thanks for your contributions to this thread. BTW; politically speaking: I am a MODERATE.
Thanks so much for posting about this! I've been frustrated with the Clintons' (and other democrats') "triangulation" approach and empty rhetoric for a long time just like you! What excites me about Dr. Fulani's demand for a Clinton-Obama Debate in Harlem is that regardless of what the party leadership, or specific elected officials or candidates think New Yorkers should be doing, ordinary people are organizing for this debate and creating the kind of dialog that we want to see around this important election. As the yellow campaign t-shirts say, "Let the people decide!" Thanks again, Rebecca Rock, It is articles like this one that made me start reading your blog in the first place. It is very thoughtful and raises some very good issues. I am a Clinton supporter, but can appreciate the points that you have made here. Many are well taken. BTW, I am one of the black readers that you have accused of attacking you. Not true in my case. Just because there is disagreement, does not mean that someone is attacking you. I actually like most of your work. I don't always agree with you, but sledom do any of us agree with everything that anyone says. More articles like this please!!!
TYVM for the kind remarks. There is an archive here on Room 8 where all my writings can be viewed/pulled up; it's in the comments section (thread) that you will see some of the personal attacks made on me. My editors have deleted many of the really profane ones (against my wishes). I don't mind the disagreements, since I write to encourage dialogue on issues, events, personalities, etc., refutation of my views, facts, opinions, ideas, history, etc., is fine if done honestly, intellectually and within reason. It's when human decency departs and the sticks and stones are thrown, that I lose it.
Post new comment |
Hot Topics
Political Update
Gov Wire
Google AdsSearchRoom Eight Extras |
delicious
digg
Hilary Clinton has done next to nothing for the Black community in NY, and it's laughable that some Black electeds fall all over themselves trying to get into a picture with her. But then again, can you really blame her...or them?
Black elected officials, Black voters and Black people in general do a terrible job holding public officeholders accountable. Lots of Black folks don't pay any attention to politics and government because they're too busy fighting for their daily economic, physical, mental and emotional well being! I don't know about you, Rock, but there wasn't a whole lot of discussion about politics 'round the kitchen table when I was a child. There are probably 100 other reasons for the lack of Black involvement and/or Black voter apathy, but the results remain the same.
It also doesn't help that some Black electeds have no substantive agenda for changing this culture. They're too busy fighting each other or mugging for cameras to care about the rampant unemployment, inequality in housing and education, police abuse, and other social ills plaguing Black communities. And let's face it: the Black electeds that do really want to help do not have the power to effect real change, at least not individually. Some Black people think that elected officials can move mountains. Nothing could be further from the truth! Just ask John Sampson...is he still standing on the sidewalk complaining about not being let in to a PTA meeting? Yeah, that's real power...
Anyway, this environment makes it very easy for elected officials to simply attend some religious services, visit Al Sharpton in Harlem and send a couple of mailings with photos of themselves surrounded by Black kids in order to get elected. Yes, Clinton has done little to advance serious issues affecting Blacks, but she is not the only politician guilty of this behavior.
And by the way, it's going to work again for her in 2008. Sorry Rock, but Obama is getting smaller every day...