October 19, 2008

McCain Campaign Compares Barack Obama to Adolph Hitler

There is never a good reason to compare anyone currently living in America to Adolph Hitler. However, the McCain-Palin campaign is so desparate to regain the lead in Florida that they have discarded that cardinal rule. Check out this sign found in the Pompano, FL office of John McCain:


Over the past few days we have seen McCain-Palin call Obama a 'socialist' and indicated that Obama supporters are not 'pro-American'. We have seen Obama hung in effigy by McCain-Palin supporters in Oregon and Ohio. Now we see the McCain campaign proudly displaying a poster that compares Obama to Hitler.

Is there no shame whatsoever by Republicans?

Soul Train's Don Cornelius Arrested for Domestic Abuse


Don Cornelius is 72-year old creator of Soul Train. He is also a fool that appears not to have learned any of the lessons from OJ Simpson about beating on his white wife.


Police were called to his Hollywood Hills home late Friday after someone reported a domestic dispute, Officer Sam Park said.

The 72-year-old producer was taken to jail, where he was booked for investigation of felony domestic violence, Park said. He was released on $50,000 bail and ordered to appear in court next month.



I imagine that Don Cornelius will become the poster child for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What say u?

Sunday Inspiration: Imagine Pressure on Barack Obama



Lord, thou knowest better than I know my self that I am growing older and
will some day be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say
something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to
straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful
but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it
all, but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get
to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing and
love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help
me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for
a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness when my memory seems to
clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that
occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint - some of them are so
hard to live with - but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the
devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and
talents in unexpected people. And give me. Lord, the grace to tell them so.

Amen.

October 18, 2008

Racist McCain Supporter Hangs Obama in Effigy in Ohio Neighborhood


It turns out that I'm living a few miles away from a racist guy in Fairfield (Ohio) who decided that it would be a wonderful sight for children on Halloween night to see an effigy of Barack Obama hanging from his tree.

Mike Lunsford is the racist fool who decided to hang this display at his home over on Symmes and Hicks Road in Fairfield.

A local reporter spoke with Mr. Lunsford. He isn't shy about what the make-shift ghost, hanging from a noose above the 'McCain-Palin' sign. A Barack Obama sign attached upside down. Obama's middle name: "Hussein" spray painted and misspelled.


Mike Lunsford hung the ghost in his yard. He says make no mistake: He doesn't want an African American running the country.

Lunsford says he believes Barack Obama is not a "full blooded American." And he says the United States is a white, Christian nation - and only with white Christians should be in power.

Villagers, do we not remember what it means for the spectre of lynching to be raised? Can we afford to fan these flames of racial hatred in the 21st century?

When will we learn?

October 17, 2008

New AfroSpear Member: Tariq Nelson


We are proud to introduce you to the newest member of The AfroSpear! Tariq Nelson is the owner of a self-named blog (BBR #125) that began operations in March 2006. Bro. Nelson was born in Mississippi, but currently lives in the DC area.

He discusses a lot of taboo subjects on his blog. Ordinarily, you can count on Bro. Nelson to look at things from an angle that others will not.

Tariq feels that the AfroSpear is supposed to "Create critical mass of discussion around Black issues to work toward solving problems." He feels that he can serve that mission by "sharing my experiences working in the Black community with others as well as learn from others' experiences."

Please join me in welcoming Tariq to The AfroSpear ... the vanguard of the afrosphere!

Four McCain Supporters Confess to Hanging Obama in Effigy


Villagers may we recall the story that we shared last month about Obama being hung in effigy on a college campus in Oregon.

I just learned that George Fox University punished four students for hanging a likeness of Barack Obama from a tree on campus. The penalties are "immediate long-term suspension and public service." The school says the four confessed to their involvement.

(Th)ink by Keith Knight: 'W'


(Th)ink is an editorial cartoon written and drawn
by cartoonist Keith Knight (the K Chronicles).

Old School Friday: Billy Preston & Syreeta

The theme for this week's Ol' School Friday meme is 'Duets'. I went with a song released in 1981 by Billy Preston & Syreeta. It was the career highlight for both singers. Take a moment to enjoy soul music from back in the day!


'With You I'm Born Again'



October 16, 2008

All Bets Off: Obama Declared the Winner


Did you know that they are taking bets over in Europe on who would win the US presidential elections? Obama was a massive 50-1 underdog with Ireland's largest bookmaker, Paddy Power, to be next President back in May of 2005.

The bookie, Paddy Power, watched the final presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain and decided to pay out on Obama becoming the next US President.

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: "We declare this race well and truly over and congratulate all those who backed Obama, your winnings await you."

This unprecedented move comes almost three weeks ahead of Election Day and sees the bookie paying out in excess of £780,000 to Obama backers. Prior to Paddy Power paying out, Obama was practically unbackable at odds of 1-9 to be the next American President.

Paddy Power continues to offer betting right up to and including Election Day. One of its most popular bets is predicting the winning margin of the successful nominee on November 4th.

Anyone care to make a non-binding guess on what the victory margin in the election between Obama and McCain?

Black Republicans Must Be Lonely...


For most of my adult life I thought that my Dad was a Republican. He voted for Ronald Reagan during the 1980 election. I never asked him about it until last year. He told me that he voted for Reagan because he didn't like how Jimmy Carter was running the country. Reagan won 489 electoral votes to 49 for President Jimmy Carter that year. I guess that alot of folks agreed with my Dad that year.

Anyhow, it turns out that my father was not a Republican. He laughed out loud when I told him that I always thought he was republican based on his vote for Reagan.

The odd thing was that we never had that conversation from 1980 thru 2007. It wasn't until the advent of Barack Obama's candidacy that I broached the subject with him. I think that I was embarrassed with the (incorrect) knowledge that my father was a Republican. I loved that he was in a 50-year marriage with my Mom. I loved that he worked as an aeronautical engineer on the Space Shuttle program. I loved that he was tight with his high school and college buddies from Oklahoma. I loved that he was corny enough to show us the Super-8mm films of past family vacations whenever I was in town. I loved that he listened to jazz and Malcolm X speeches on reel-to-reel tape. I loved many things about my father ...

....but, it embarrassed the heck out of me to think he was a Black Republican.

I wonder how lonely and embarrassing it must be to be a Black Republican in this election year? I watched a Black guy at a Wisconsin rally for McCain sitting up in the front row as he dissed Obama. He seemed to be enjoying his notoriety as the token brother in the room. Is that the thrill?

The New York Times wrote an article about a young Republican blogger in New York recently. Is that the thrill ... getting publicity for being unique?

Michael Steele almost became a US Senator ... he invented the 'Drill Baby Drill' chant ... and he recently substituted for Hannity on the Fox News television show. Is that the thrill ... getting speaking engagements at right wing shindigs?

Ken Blackwell almost became governor of Ohio ... and he is a hero of right wing zealots for his role in stealing the election for George W. Bush in 2004 ... and he is seen regularly on Fox News as a political analyst. Is that the thrill ... having an open invitation to barbeque outings down in Crawford TX?

African Americans in this country are likely to give over 95% of our vote to Barack Obama next month. Can someone tell me why any self-respecting brother or sister would vote for the Republicans this year? What is the thrill for nubians in a party that never respects them?

October 15, 2008

Obama Sealed the Deal


I watched the third and final presidential debate tonight. Barack Obama won the debate. Obama demonstrated a skill set that makes him more attractive as our future POTUS.

Intelligent. Calm. Self-confident. Compassionate. Even-tempered. Able to Disagree without Being Disagreeable.

America has some serious issues to deal with over the next four years. We are engaged in two wars. We have a junkie-like dependance on foreign oil. We are losing jobs at an alarming rate.

We don't need an angry old 20th century warrior in the White House. I think we need a smart young 21st century warrior in the White House.

I think that Obama showed himself to be presidential material over the course of these debates.

What say u?

Blog Safari #15


We are prepared to jaunt into the cyber-jungle for our weekly 'Blog Safari'. It is our opportunity to see what drumbeats are coming from other blogs in and out of the afrosphere. I hope you enjoy these blog post referrals:
Let us know if you come across any remarkable posts that should be shared in our next Blog Safari!

Video: Press Conference of America's First Black President





Saturday Night Live has understood presidential politics for many years.

Sometimes we forget how truly talented Richard Pryor was as a comic. I imagine that he is on the other side looking down on the presidential election with a smile on his face.

This Week in Blackness: Black Dude at McCain's Wisconsin Rally

Villagers are aware that we've been supporting the comedic efforts of Elon James White.

My hope is that we will get backstage passes when the brother does Carnegie Hall or perhaps an invitation to the 'red carpet' premiere of his first feature-length movie.

For now, we share the latest edition of his comedy series, 'This Week in Blackness'. This week he hits it out of the park with his rant on James T. Harris ... the Black Republican wannabe at recent Wisconsin rally of John McCain.

Check it out:




What say u?

Wordless Wednesday: Common Purpose


October 14, 2008

Will John McCain Stop Fear-Mongering Tactics?


Do you remember when you were engaged in a verbal debate with a schoolmate back in the day? If your buddy was losing the verbal joust it didn't take long for him to say, 'Yo Mama'!

John McCain and Sarah Palin lost three straight debates. They have lost in the battle of ideas against Barack Obama. So, instead of continuing a losing dialogue about the issues, McCain-Palin campaign launched a strategy relying on fear-mongering, racial divisions, and hate.

White folks rarely yell, 'Yo Mama' ... instead we see McCain/Palin supporters saying "kill him!" "terrorist!" "traitor," and more, at rallies, with the McCain campaign playing dumb in response.

Check out this video to see what I'm talking about:





Villagers, I've signed onto ColorofChange's open-letter calling out McCain and Palin.

McCain and Palin are going down a dangerous path. All of it plays on the much more sinister rumors in anonymous smear emails which claim Obama is Muslim, anti-American, and is somehow connected with terrorists. This strategy is powerful because Obama is Black, and it's designed to make Obama's race a disadvantage without appearing overtly racist.

Villagers, we've seen how Barack Obama's historic candidacy has moved our friends and family to have a more honest conversation about race in this country. It's inspired a lot of people to step out of their comfort zone and confront racism in their own communities, with their friends, neighbors and families.

In the final days of this campaign, we can't let a desperate John McCain and Sarah Palin drag us down. All villagers need to stand united against race-baiting and fear-mongering coming from the McCain-Palin campaign.

What say u? Will you sign the petition?

Blogging Star Award

UPDATE: AAW from Musings About a Muddled World honored us with this award on 10/13/2008 "for being a source of info especially to black bloggers." It is nice to be recognized by your peers in the blogosphere. Below you will see who I shared the award with a few weeks ago.


Asante sana to Pop Culture Dish, Presented by Malcolm for taking time to award the Electronic Village with the Blogging Star Award. This award was originated by Barb at Skittles' Place. This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogoshere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?"

It is my pleasure to spread the love to others for the second year in the row. I am giving the Blogging Star award to the following bloggers:
  • Funky Brown Chick - I follow over a hundred people on Twitter. My favorite by far is Twanna. She is a sex, dating and relationships writer in New York City. Her blog is highly personal and shares insights on her daily life. I never watched much of Sex & The City when it was on television ... but, my take is that Twanna's blog is our nubian version of that show!
  • Sojourner's Place - This blog is designed from the perspective of the professional African American woman ... however, I think that nubian brothers benefit from the wisdom of Sojourner as well. Sojourner created the Helping Hand Award and Sunday Inspirations. All villagers need to check this blog out. I'm pleased to be able to present Sojourner's Place with this award.
  • The Happy Go Lucky Bachelor - Mike is usually one of the first villagers to share his village voice on our 2-3 posts per day. Mike's blog is excellent. He provides quotes, videos and commentary on cultural and social events of the day. I appreciate Mike's support and encourage villagers to check out his blog!
  • UltravioletUnderground - Purple Zoe is the subcultural alternative soul behind this blog. She doesn't follow the way of the masses. She embrace quality art and conscious activity. I am proud to partner with PZ and others on the Roots of Humanity blog. This sista proves that the power is in the minds and hearts of 'the global people'. I am glad to provide her blog with this recognition.
  • Young Black Professional Guide - This blog continues to innovate. Fredrick and the others that create and maintain this blog provided us with RSSPect.org last year. This blog inspired the recent 'Day of Blogging for Justice: Community Organizers' with their initial post in reaction to Sarah Palin speech at the Republican National Convention.
All honorees are asked to do the following: (a) Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you; (b) mention that it originated at Skittles' Place so Barb can follow it's journey; and (c) Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.

Villagers, do you have any thoughts on these five blogs that you care to share with us?

October 13, 2008

McCain Teaches Volunteers to Link Obama to Terrorism

According to Time, McCain campaign staffers in Virginia are teaching volunteers to see Barack Obama as having terrorist 'friends,' and then providing these volunteers with arguments for persuading voters that Sen. Obama, like Osama Bin Laden, shares responsibility for bombings of the Pentagon.

You can read the full story here.

I Love Your Blog Award

There are many villagers that quietly join us to enjoy the posts and comments without sharing their village voice. Our blog never seems to get much in the way of COMMENTS in comparison to our daily hits. I appreciate the stealth villagers as much as those that are move 'vocal'.

One of my stealth villagers is Tey, a busy working Filipina mom living in Toronto. Tey publishes 'My Daily Thoughts'. Tey presented us with the 'I Love Your Blog Award' "... for his informative posts about Black people (just love it)."

I appreciated the love last year when she gave our blog the award. I figure it was time to share some love with other blogs that deserve it. The Electronic Village presents the 'I Love Your Blog Award' to five others that we read and enjoy often. They are more than welcome to pass along the award to other blogs which they love to read as well and so on.
  1. RaceWire - This blog comes strong and correct with information about both race and politics.
  2. TransGriot - Monica Roberts is a powerful voice for transgender issues in person and through the afrosphere. I've learned that all of us have concerns about politics and life choices. Monica is a goals-oriented sista with great insights shared on her blog.
  3. Black Tennis Pro's - Shelia provides a constant flow about African American tennis players from the amateur ranks up through world's #1 Serena Williams. I haven't played tennis for many moons, however I do enjoy my stealth visits to this blog.
  4. Sojourner's Place - Sojourner just competed a complete overhaul of her blog template. It is unique and it is perfectly suited for her flow. SjP is one of my favorite blogs in the universe!
  5. BDPA Detroit TAC - Cliff Samuels publishes this technology-based blog. Cliff is a colleague and rarely do technology blogs catch a break when it comes to blog awards ... so I hope some villagers will visit Cliff and show him some love!
Congratulations to all of you and thanks for writing such great blogs. Villagers, who are the blogs and bloggers that YOU love?

Manic Monday: Moon

The theme for this week's Manic Monday meme is 'Moon'. Villagers know that I use this weekly meme to explore some aspect of African American history or culture.

Did you know that there are 15 past, current and future African American astronauts?

Many villagers think that Guion Bluford was the first Black astronaut. That is wrong. Though Bluford was the first African American to enter space, he was not the first African American astronaut. That distinction belongs to Robert H. Lawrence Jr., who became an astronaut on June 10, 1967. Tragically, Lawrence never made it into space. A short time later, he was killed when his plane crashed during a training flight.

Other notable African Americans in the space program include Bernard A. Harris Jr., the first African American to walk in space, and Mae C. Jamison, the first African American woman in space.

No Black astronaut ever went on a mission to the moon. Things might have been different if rampant discrimination in the space program didn't spell doom for NASSA, the Negro American Society of Space Astronauts.

What?

You haven't heard about the old Negro Space Program? Lucky for you ... we have a video documentary on a little-known aspect of American history. Check it out!