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Why Even Herman Cain’s Collapse Is A Form Of Black Progress

People's Connection — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:48:35 +0000

Herman Cain’s rise and fall would have been more surprising had he not been a Black politician.

From Adam Clayton Powell to Marion Barry, from Charles Rangel to David Patterson, many Black voters expect their leaders to be taken down at some point by the powers that be.

With Cain, Black America held its breath, anticipating some sort of stumble as he bullied his way to the front of the Republican pack. And in a not so surprising, seemingly scripted fashion Cain did exactly that—stumble, plummeting from the heights of political stardom.

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When two women claimed Cain had sexually harassed them more than a decade ago, a chorus of skeptics assumed it was all just dirty politics. Conservatives rallied around their great Black hope; as did Black voters, who assumed racist elements were once again at work to deny a Black man from gaining power.

Conventional wisdom would assume that these “continued distractions” are nothing more than partisan, racially motivated smears, but what we’ve witnessed is actually a different trend—a complex evolution if you will.

Black politicians, having long striven to achieve political equality and now capable of reaching the nation’s highest office, are instead squandering the benefits of their struggle, shamelessly assimilating into the corrupt culture of American politics. Unfortunately, it is a culture where greed and infidelity are all too common.

For years, Americans have watched as White politicians indulged in the shady trappings of American political power. Now, as it appears with Cain, Black politicians are in positions to follow suit.

Whether it is Cain’s sexually inappropriate dealings, Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas’ sexual harassment hearing, or former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s extramarital affair, even to be accused of sexual wrongdoing is to have achieved a level of influence that once escaped Black political figures.

And while corruption and infidelity are nothing to celebrate, it can be argued that their prevalence among Black political figures ironically reflects a bizarre form of progress.

What defined Black politics in the past was an absence of power, where racists explicitly worked to prevent Blacks from exercising their influence. It is a tradition where Black political power was largely limited Black to protest and activism, where a Black leader’s power rested in maintaining the moral high ground.

Today, it’s as if Blacks have graduated from the Negro Leagues to the majors of American politics, where the “professionals” bribe, extort, embezzle and sling mud in the form of sexual allegations.

Having leveled the playing the playing field, Black politicians are increasingly adopting the shady, double-dealing, salacious ways and customs that have come to define American politics.

Accusations of racism miss the point.

Blame the passing of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, which legally protected Black political participation. Blame hip-hop and its socializing power, influencing younger generations to vote for Black leaders. Blame CNN and MSNBC for their efforts to recruit black viewers, and Fox News for branding and promoting Cain as conservatives’ answer to Obama.

At the end of the day blame Herman Cain’s greed, but know he was who he said he was. A politician who had all the answers the keepers of the status quo wanted. Tax the poor, give rich tax breaks. A corporate crony who served a 999 economic plan packaged like a pizza deal.

As depressing as it may seem, to have had a Black candidate—who for a matter of months looked like he would steal the Republican presidential nomination, only to be revealed as a sleazy mack daddy—is still a far cry from where Black politics began.

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Herman “Chocolate Walnut” Cain To Iowans: “I Can Bring Black Vote”

People's Connection — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:12:09 +0000

Herman Cain has another soundbite bomb-dropper for us: He can bring African American voters to the Republican Party in 2012. The Washington Post reports that the self-described “Chocolate Walnut” sent out a mailer to Iowa voters saying that he can grab a large share of the black vote, “something that has not been done since Dwight Eisenhower garnered 41 percent of the black vote in 1956,” the note said.

The Post also reports Cain’s campaign as saying he’ll be the GOP nominee because:

“He’s a descendant of slaves who can garner a large share of the black vote, he didn’t inherit a dime, he has traveled the globe for years, and he’s a believer in Jesus Christ.”

Really? Given that Cain has already insulted many black voters by saying they have been “brainwashed” into supporting the Democratic Party, his predictions seem pretty far-fetched.

“If he’s talking about 41 percent of black voters in the Republican primary, he might be right,” Michael Dawson, an African American political science professor at the University of Chicago, said with a chuckle. But in a general election against President Obama, who got 95 percent of the black vote in 2008 and remains popular among African Americans, Dawson said Cain “would be lucky to get 10 percent” of the black vote.

Read the full story in The Washington Post

Herman Cain’s Implausible 2012 Election Run: From Pizza Magnate To GOP Candidate

Is CBC Week “Political Freaknik”?

Al Sharpton — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:27:08 +0000

Last week was the 41st Annual Legislative Conference for the Congressional Black Caucus. The conference was filled with panels, author talks/signings, and direct contact with Congressional Black Caucus members to discuss the ills of the Black community and things that can be done to fix it.

But you probably didn’t hear about that. You probably heard about “CBC Week” and the CBC PARTIES.

Admittedly, I had been a bit skeptical of heading to what some folks refer to as “Political Freaknik.” I had heard lots of commentary on CBC Week but hadn’t experienced it myself. Having gone to a lot of other non-Black conferences in the past, I felt that I would be remiss not to attend CBC Week when the opportunity came along. Even as the event was coming closer I found myself criticizing the CBC. But after hanging out a bit at the conference I had a weird “Aha” moment.

More coverage of the CBC Convention here.

While on-air, a young lady came by the Blacking It Up Booth and gave me a button with a QR code and the CBC logo telling me all of the events that were going to be happening. I casually mentioned this to the Jomo K. Bellard, the senior communications consultant of the CBCF.

“I’m sorry,” Bellard said. “Can I see the button?”

After a few moments he said: “This isn’t us at all. I have to sue these people.”

Soon after having a few more conversations with him and checking out the events that were happening I realized that the CBC had nothing to do with what even the hip hop radio stations were calling “CBC Week.” The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation does three things: a Conference (which does not include parties); a scholarship/internship program (the largest of its kind on the Hill); and publications dealing with the the mission of the CBCF. I was corrected even when I mistakenly referred to the CBC and the CBC Foundation as being the same.

I had to take back a lot of my random outsider commentary.

Now there are various critiques to give the CBCF conference as a whole. But there are also a lot of kudos to give as well. The platform given to allow for this type of national conversation with members of congress is great. The attempt to have varied panels with experts and wide range discussions focused on action is great. And now — although a bit late — an attempt to engage an audience that isn’t already indoctrinated into the CBC way via social media and independent media platforms (such as my own show) is great. And honestly, the Conference is only as good as the folks that come to make it it good. Those who come for Political Freaknik aren’t helping make the difference. Those who show up simply to hear themselves talk isn’t making a difference either (because there were quite a few of those). The CBCF Conference is a platform for change — not the actual change itself or the problem with everything.

A lot more of us should use it

Elon James White co-hosts the widely popular podcast Blacking It Up! which airs live Mon-Thurs 1:30pm ET. Follow Elon James White on Twitter @elonjames

Redemption For Rangel With Unveiling Of Official Portrait

Al Sharpton — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:42:22 +0000

Special to NewsOne by contributor Bobby Marvin

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) was honored with the unveiling of his official portrait commemorating his tenure as the 62^nd Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means committee.

A small bi-partisan group of congressional lawmakers including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, House Speaker (D-MD), John Boehner (R-OH) and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) were on hand to congratulate Rangel, who made history when he became the first African-American appointed chair of the committee in 2007.

Rangel made history again in 2010 when he stepped down from the Ways & Means chairmanship amid ethics allegations. Rangel was later censured for ethics violations by his congressional peers.

Yesterday, however, Rangel’s comrades focused on the positive.

“You are the one who is a champion for those who need it most,” said New York’s Democratic junior Senator Katherine Gillibrand.

Rangel was the first New Yorker in 140 years to Chair the powerful Ways and Means committee, which oversees federal funding for Social Security, trade, Medicare, Medicaid, and unemployment benefits. Rangel currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Ways and Means Committee. He is also a founding member and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“My life is a story that [says] anyone can make it, from a high school drop-out [to being] the chair of this committee,” said Rangel during a speech after the unveiling.

Hundreds traveled on coach buses from the congressman’s district in New York’s to see the ceremony. L. Ann Rocker, a community activist from Harlem, said she voted for Rangel when he first ran against and defeated Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. in 1970.

“I was really pleased to see such a magnificent portrait of our esteemed congressman who has really worked for 40 years, not just for Harlem but for America,” said Rocker.

Following the ceremony, Rangel hugged and shook hands with constituents as he made his way around the Ways and Means Committee room. Right behind him was his wife Alma, who did the honors of drawing back the curtain to reveal the painting of her husband.

“He worked very hard over the years, he’s been a good congressman,” said Alma Rangel. “The portrait is an example of his dedication to public service.”

The unveiling coincided with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference taking place this weekend in Washington, D.C.

Rangel And Harlem Bid Final Farewell To Bobby Robinson

Charles Rangel Clashes With Fox Host Over “Plantation” Comments

Tea Party’s Allen West Threatens To Leave CBC After “Hanging” Comment

People's Connection — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:23:29 +0000

Florida Congressman Alan West says he’s contemplating leaving the Congressional Black Caucus after fellow caucus member Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind) told attendees at a recent CBC town hall metting that the Tea Party would love to see Black people hanging from trees.

West responded to Carson’s remarks on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” saying, “When you start using words such as lynching… that’s a reprehensible word and I think we should move away from that language,” he said. “One of the things I’m starting to think about is reconsidering my membership in the Congressional Black Caucus, because I don’t think they’re moving in the right manner toward solving the problems in not just the black community, but all of America.”

The blatant hypocrisy that West displays for daring to accuse anyone of race-baiting is laughable and pathetic. After insinuating that President Obama and he are more alike than his supporters may realize—claiming that it’s “hypocritical” that Obama’s “big Black bus is not going into the Black community”— West was led by FOX’s Laura Ingraham to call his CDC colleague, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), a “plantation boss,” while casting himself as Harriet Tubman.

Jesse Jackson Jr. Denies Bribe Allegations

Mildred Gaddis — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:33:48 +0000

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. responded to reports Tuesday that he tried to pay for a U.S. Senate seat and released a statement about an alleged relationship with a Washington, D.C., woman.

Jackson and wife Sandi Jackson, the 7th Ward’s alderman, would not comment on the Sun-Times story as they arrived for her birthday party Tuesday night.

The story claims that during a meeting October 8, 2008, Congressman Jackson had asked political moneyman Raghuveer Nayak to raise millions in exchange for an appointment to Barack Obama’s vacated seat.

“The reference to a social acquaintance is a private and personal matter between me and my wife that was handled some time ago. I ask that you respect our privacy,” Jackson said. “I know I have disappointed some supporters, and for that I am deeply sorry. But I remain committed to serving my constituents and fighting on their behalf.”

Click here to view photos:

Jesse Jackson Jr denies being part of $1 million Blagojevich scheme

The Year Of The Black Republicans

Mildred Gaddis — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:37:59 +0000

In June, a Charleston businessman named Tim Scott won the Republican nomination for South Carolina’s First Congressional District, defeating Paul Thurmond, the son of state political legend Strom Thurmond, with nearly 70 percent of the primary vote.

And Tim Scott is black.

Even more surprising, Mr. Scott’s platform is a repudiation of Barack Obama’s agenda. He promises to support a repeal of the health-care law, simplify the tax code, and cut federal spending. Overall, the GOP has fielded more than 30 African-American candidates for federal office, including Ryan Frazier in Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District and Vernon Parker in Arizona’s Third Congressional District.

And as the economy loses steam, and President Obama’s poll numbers sag, the ultimate humiliation in this summer of Democratic discontent is to find Republicans trumpeting 2010 as “The Year of the Black Republicans.”

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Blacks In Britain Scoring Small Political Victories

Mildred Gaddis — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:32:11 +0000

While the world focused its attention on the political cliffhanger in May that led to Great Britain’s first coalition government in 70 years, the U.K.’s minorities were making significant gains in national representation.

A record turnout of minority voters in the closely contested race doubled the number of black, Asian (in the U.K., “Asian” usually refers to South Asians) and other ethnic-minority MPs in the House of Commons from 14 to 27 (out of 650 members). The government of David Cameron appointed the first Asian woman to a cabinet position, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who was named minister without portfolio and co-chairman of the Conservative Party. She is also the only member of Britain’s ethnic-minority communities in the coalition cabinet.

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Chris Brown Banned From England Due To Criminal Record

Rangel Raises Money, Dances Night Away At Lavish B’Day Party

Mildred Gaddis — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:40:18 +0000

Charles Rangel throws a lavish birthday party.

New York’s Democratic elite showered love and cash Wednesday night on scandal-soaked Rep. Charles Rangel at a lavish 80th birthday party fund-raiser.

“This damn sure ain’t no funeral,” declared a defiant Rangel.

But the threat of political mortality over the 13 ethics charges the congressman faces hung in the air of The Plaza hotel’s Grand Ballroom. “Please remember me in your prayers,” Rangel said as the party ended.

The turnout of 800 guests – including Gov. Paterson, U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo – showed New York’s top Democrats still willing to stand with Rangel, even if some had played hard to get until Wednesday.

The crowd paid $200 to $2,500 to munch on vanilla cupcakes and kosher food, sip free-flowing cocktails and sway to Dionne Warwick singing “That’s What Friends Are For.”

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Charles Rangel Stumbles After Reaching Top

Rangel: “Fire Your Best Shot Because I’m Not Going Away”

Mildred Gaddis — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:32:15 +0000

WASHINGTON — A combative Rep. Charles Rangel told the House Tuesday he’s not resigning despite 13 charges of wrongdoing and demanded the ethics committee not leave him “swinging in the wind.”

Rangel, who is 80, spoke without notes in an extraordinary, often emotional 37-minute speech that defied his lawyers’ advice to keep quiet about his case. The New York Democrat and 40-year House veteran had a sharp message in dismissing fellow Democrats who – worried about election losses – want him to quit,

“If I can’t get my dignity back here, then fire your best shot in getting rid of me through expulsion,” he said.

Expulsion is the harshest penalty that can result from an ethics case. It would be highly unlikely in Rangel’s case because the former chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee is not accused of corruption.

Rangel was interrupted by applause twice, including when he said, “I am not going away. I am here.”

The Democrat from Harlem acknowledged he made mistakes, but said he was not corrupt.

“I’m not asking for leniency. I’m asking for exposure of the facts,” he said in demanding that the ethics panel expedite the hearing of his case.

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Rangel noted the committee is scheduled to convene Sept. 13, the day before his primary, but that the main part of his ethics trial would not come until later in the fall.

“Don’t leave me swinging in the wind until November,” he demanded.