Spoken Word: 'On the Day that Barack Obama is Elected President' - Javon Johnson

Today is the anniversary of the first time that America elected a Black man to become President of the United States. It was a truly uplifting day for all of America ... especially for people of African descent in America! Here is one very creative vision of how things will be in America on the day that Barack Obama is elected president as shared by poet Javon Johnson.



What do you remember most about November 4, 2008 (the day that Barack Obama was elected president)?

'Blogging While Black': New Book Discusses One Journalist’s Rise to National Prominence During the Historic 2008 Presidential Election

We had some heady times in my early days as a blogger!  The afrosphere was buzzing with online activism that reached its heights with the Jena Six protest march.  One of the leading Black bloggers of that era was a young brother named Shawn Williams.  

As such, this blog is pleased to inform all villagers that social media and hyper-local news pioneer Shawn Williams released his first book, Blogging While Black, which chronicles the pivotal role his blog played during the historic 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama, as well as during the brief but effective online civil rights movement. Williams is publisher of DallasSouthBlog.org, a frequent columnist for the Dallas Morning News and formerly contributed to WFAA Channel 8’s Inside Texas Politics.

“The meteoric rise in popularity of then-Senator Obama created an avenue for African Americans to stand up and speak out about their community and their country,” said Williams. “Regretfully, when some people saw Black bloggers weigh-in on politics, the message was misunderstood by some and perceived as antagonistic by others,” Williams said. “Blogging consistent messages allowed us the opportunity to articulate an intelligent point of view that didn’t appear vitriolic, and allowed for understanding which opened doors for effective communication.” 

Beginning with the plight of a teenager in Paris,Texas, and ending with the election of President Barack Obama, Blogging While Black tells the story of how Williams, and other online advocates, changed America for the better. The book also looks at “breakthrough bloggers” who have transferred their online stardom into offline success.

Blogging While Black is a tool created for aspiring writers, bloggers and journalists who want to make inroads through the media and make a difference in the community as well. At the end of each chapter, Blogging While Black provides tips for anyone who aspires to use social media tools to make their own mark online, including: how to launch a blog in five minutes; how to become a big fish in a small media pond; how to leverage your personal networks; and how to use your phone as a news gathering tool.

This would make a great gift for any bloggers in your sphere of influence!

Republican Joe Walsh Plays Race Card: "Obama Was Elected Because He Was Black"

Joe Walsh

It is nice to be reminded that racist politicians don't all reside below the Mason-Dixon line. In fact, not all racist politicians were raised back in the Jim Crow era. If you don't believe me ... just listen to what freshman Republican congressman Joe Walsh (R-IL) had to say about President Barack Obama:

"Why was he elected? Again, it comes back to who he was. He was Black, he was historic. And there's nothing racist about this. It is what it is. If he had been a dynamic, white, state senator elected to Congress he wouldn't have gotten in the game this fast. This is what made him different. That, combined with the fact that your profession, not you, but your profession, was just absolutely compliant. They made up their minds early that they were in love with him. They were in love with him because they thought he was a good liberal guy and they were in love with him because he pushed that magical button: a Black man who was articulate, liberal, the whole white guilt, all of that." [SOURCE]

Yeah, this GOP wing-nut pulled out the race card in this recent interview. I guess it is part of his strategy to get re-elected to Congress. When the Medicare gambit failed ... this guy went to the tried-and-true -- racism.

I imagine that most villagers join with me in hoping that Rep. Walsh is a one-time wonder in Congress. His type of ignorance is not needed in Washington DC.

Black History Month: Cuff Links

Being a Weasel Doesn't Stop Lieberman From Seeking Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy

Am I the only one that thinks Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) is the most chameleon-like weasel in public service? I first became aware of the guy in 1980 when he ran as the vice presidential candidate with Al Gore. Lieberman was actively courted by Sen. McCain to be his vice presidential candidate in the 2008 election (before losing the nod to Sarah Palin). Last year Lieberman scuttled the public option and almost took down healthcare reform by his actions and demands.

Today, I see that Lieberman introduced a bill in the Senate that would repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) ban on gay men and women serving openly in the military within 13 months of enactment. This blog has been on record in favor of the repeal of DADT policy. However, it rankles me that Lieberman is sticking his nose into the process.

"Today we introduce legislation to stop the prohibition of men and women based on their sexual orientation in the American armed forces," Lieberman said. "[We] offer in its place a policy of equal opportunity to serve and defend our country."

Lieberman introduced the measure along with Sens. Mark Udall (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Roland Burris (D-IL), and Carl Levin (D-MI), chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee. Udall wrote that Lieberman's bill would shift the Pentagon DADT policy review from "considering whether to repeal" DADT to instead focusing on an assumed repeal.

It says something that lameduck Roland Burris is part of Lieberman's team on this DADT legislation ... don't you think?

Barack Obama Accepts Harry Reid Apology for Racist Remarks

I'm never surprised when old white men display racist tendencies. As such, it didn't surprise me that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid apologized for a racist statement that he made during the 2008 presidential election. [SOURCE]

He offered an apology following reports he privately described then presidential candidate Barack Obama as a Black candidate who could be successful, thanks in part to his "light-skinned" appearance and speaking patterns "with no Negro dialect unless he wanted to have one."

The comments were reported by journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann in their new book "Game Change."

“He (Reid) was wowed by Obama's oratorical gifts and believed that the country was ready to embrace a Black presidential candidate, especially one such as Obama - a ‘light-skinned’ African American ‘with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one,’ as he said privately. Reid was convinced, in fact, that Obama's race would help him more than hurt him in a bid for the Democratic nomination," they write.

Harry Reid made his stupid comments in 2008 campaign season. He apologized yesterday,

“I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words. I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African Americans for my improper comments. I was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama during the campaign and have worked as hard as I can to advance President Obama’s legislative agenda.”

I feel sorry for Sen. Reid. His comments were made over a year ago ... and he is taking heat for it now ... just as he is entering into a tough re-election campaign in Nevada.

In a statement released by the White House, the president accepted Reid's apology:

"Harry Reid called me today and apologized for an unfortunate comment reported today. I accepted Harry's apology without question because I've known him for years, I've seen the passionate leadership he's shown on issues of social justice and I know what's in his heart. As far as I am concerned, the book is closed."

I 'spose that Reid may lose his Senate seat. What say u?

Why Do We Keep Doubting Barack Obama?

I wonder when folks will stop doubting President Obama? His vision is more long-range than the rest of us. He doesn't float with the wind on important decisions.

He demonstrated his long-range vision when he ran for office in the United States Senate. We learned that he doesn't sweat the small stuff when he beat Hilary Clinton and others in the Democratic primary. Others focused on the rhetoric from his opponents while Obama focused on getting any delegates to be nominated as his party's candidate for president. We were concerned when Obama didn't lash out against McCain, Palin and Joe the Plumber during the general election. Obama didn't sweat the small stuff ... instead he ran a campaign that resulted in a landslide victory a year ago.

Many Obama supporters clamored for him to take a more visible role in the health insurance reform debate in the past weeks and months. Obama set the direction of the debate ... then quietly and confidently worked with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others to get a historic bill passed last night. Heck, we even saw our Republican buddy from New Orleans voting in favor of the bill.

I imagine that many villagers are going to begin to worry about whether or not Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will be able to get the 60 votes he needs to bring a health insurance reform to the floor for a vote. I'm putting my confidence in the President and his team. How about you?

Sarah Palin Completes Book on Her 15 Minutes of Fame

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin "has finished her memoir just four months after the book deal was announced." The 400-page book is titled 'Going Rogue: An American Life.'

"It's her words, her life, and it’s all there in full and fascinating detail," said the book publisher.

You can check out two other books about Sarah Palin here and here. Do you plan on reading any of this Palin books?

Birthers Are Like Cockroaches...

Scientists tell us that roaches will survive World War III and the dropping of nuclear bombs. I figure that 'birthers' are the same way. A century from now when the exploits of President Barack Obama are in our history books there will still be 'birthers' complaining that his administration was an illegal sham because he was born in Kenya ... not America.

As such, I'm no longer surprised when I read stories like this one:

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A California judge tentatively scheduled a trial for Jan. 26, 2010, for a case that challenges Barack Obama’s eligibility to be president based on questions over his qualifications under the requirements of the U.S. Constitution.

The suit alleges Obama is actually a citizen of Indonesia and “possibly still citizen of Kenya, usurping the position of the president of the United States of America and the commander-in-chief.”

In the U.S. Justice Department’s motion to dismiss, attorneys didn’t address the concerns directly, but instead focused their efforts on technical procedures, suggesting the matter can’t be decided in court and that the dozens of plaintiffs cannot demonstrate they have been injured by having Obama in the Oval Office.

The suit alleges Obama is actually a citizen of Indonesia and "possibly still citizen of Kenya, usurping the position of the president of the United States of America and the commander-in-chief."

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These folks don't seem to want to acknowledge President Obama's birth certificate (see photo). I'm coming to realization that these folks aren't concerned about politics or policy or rebuilding our economy or delivering health care reform ... these folks simply have a personal disdain and dislike for our President. It doesn't matter if he wants to talk with America's students or eliminate our nation's energy dependency ... they will rant, rave and create tea parties against him.

Birthers are like cockroaches...

Divorce Rumors: Todd and Sarah Palin

It's been a helluva year for Sarah Palin. A little over a year ago she was the most popular governor in the United States. She was riding high during the Republican National Convention.

However, since that time the roller coaster has taken a deep dive.

• Apparel malfunctions
  
• Baby mama rumor
  
• Issues dealing with Black folks in Alaska
  
• Rumored love affairs
  
• Terrible television interviews
  
• Big defeat in national elections
  
• Popularity plummets in Alaska
  
• Ethics complaints
  
• Signs of marital stress
  
• Becoming a quitter

And now divorce.
It is being reported that Todd and Sarah Palin are getting divorced.

Alaskareport.com added some addition confirmation from "multiple sources" that the couple was planning to divorce.

"The Palins were noticeably not speaking to each other at last Sunday's resignation speech in Fairbanks. Sarah ditched Todd right after the speech and left without him. Sarah removed her wedding ring a couple of weeks ago."

Of course, the rumors are being denied by the Palin entourage. But, if true, then I'm actually feeling sorry for Sarah Palin. Divorce ain't fun...

What are your thoughts about Sarah Palin and her future?

Abraham Lincoln Is Still Celebrating!

We have been sharing political cartoons about the 2008 presidential election results for a couple of months now. Many of the cartoons seem to have Abraham Lincoln included because of the hopes that all Americans have for President Obama to be considered as successful a leader as Lincoln. Do you think that Obama can live up to our hopes?

The Final Destination on the Freedom Road...

The inauguration of our 44th president takes place today. What are your thoughts on this historical milestone?

Are You Ready for an Obama Presidency?

Are you still feeling the glow of the election back in November? Are you ready for the Obama presidency? What would you like to see him accomplish during his first year in office?

All Men Are Created Equal

Less than a month until Barack Obama formally takes oath of office as our 44th President of the United States. Am I the only one who remains floating on the high from the November 4th election results?!?

This Week in Blackness: Hillary Clinton & Sarah Palin

Elon James White shares Part 2-of-4 in his satirical review of 2008. In this installment he spends some time talking about two white women that dominated the political landscape in 2008 ... Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin.





Bro. White brings it strong. I think that my favorite part is when he de-mystifies the myth about Bill Clinton being the first Black president. What was your favorite part in this video?

From Rosa Parks to Barack Obama

Will You Join Barack Obama in Second Life?

I entered the Second Life virtual world last year. My time in that virtual world has been limited over the past year. I missed the fact that Obama extended his campaign into Second Life. I need to head back in and see whether his transition team is using Second Life as well.

Are there any villagers active in Second Life? What do you like about it? If you are not in Second Life ... do you plan to visit that virtual world in the near future?

Ready to Rejoin the World?

Will America's image in the world be improved under an Obama presidency?

Can Anh Cao Gain Membership Into Congressional Black Caucus?

There are over 400 members of the United States House of Representatives. Most of us only focus on our local congressional representative. However, there are a handful of congressmen with national reputations. Jesse Jackson, Jr. has a national reputation today. Unfortunately for him it is defined mostly by his father and the current governor of his state.

I imagine that Anh 'Joseph' Cao will be a member of congress that is watched beyond the boundaries of his Louisiana district. Cao became the first Vietnamese-American person in Congress when he defeated 10-term incumbent William Jefferson last month.

Cao represents a district that is 64% Black and he wants to join the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

The CBC has never admitted a non-Black member ... they barely admit Black republicans! It is likely that Cao will not apply for CBC membership, however, it is interesting that he continues to make a national splash. I imagine that he is the most famous Vietnamese-born citizen in the country right now.

The Content of His Character

The dream shared by Martin Luther King, Jr. moves closer to reality. Do you think race relations in America will improve as a result of Obama's presidency?