My Star Jones gets the boot...again

So the fabulous Star Jones is looking for another gig...again. 

She'll be fine though.  She always bounces back.  You know, I would really like for her to be a TV judge.  I'd definitely watch that.

Kwame apologizes

Whateva...I'm rollin' my eyes at this mess. I feel so bad for his wife and his kids, but as far as I'm concerned, Kwame can kick rocks. You brought your wife, your kids, yourself, and the entire black community to an open shame. And for what? You make me sick. Put that on everything.

Clinton, Obama play nicey nice

Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are debating for the last time before the Super Tuesday contests next week.

In their opening remarks, both candidates praised each other while highlighting distinctions between the Democrats and the Republicans.

While they tried to point out the differences in their policies, they did it without the finger-pointing of last week.

hmmmm....Is this the beginning of a Clinton/Obama ticket? I would personally love that but I'm not sure how the rest of the voting world feels about it.

Giuliani endorses McCain

Rudy Giuliani, who sought to make the leap from New York mayor to the White House, dropped out of the Republican presidential campaign on Wednesday and endorsed front-runner John McCain for the nomination.

He says he's not seeking to be vice president, but I don't believe that. Time will tell, though.

And it doesn't matter who the Republicans nominate, a Democrat will be in the White House next year.

MLB umpires in the Klan?

Umpires are livid that Major League Baseball has sent investigators to their hometowns, asking neighbors a series of questions that include whether the ump belongs to the Ku Klux Klan.

Tee hee. That's funny.

President Bush says faith helped him overcome alcohol addiction.

BALTIMORE, Md. — President Bush on Tuesday referred to his former struggles with alcohol as an "addiction," a blunt characterization of his less disciplined adult days before a reliance on faith help him turn his life around.

"Addiction is hard to overcome," Bush said in speaking at a faith-based center that helps former prisoners get job training and other help.

"As you might remember, I drank too much at one time in my life," Bush said. "I understand faith-based programs. I understand that sometimes you can find the inspiration from a higher power to solve an addiction problem."

My response:

I know dat's right, my President.  I'm tellin' y'all, I really like George Bush.  One thing that I really like about him is that he is not moved by what opinion polls.  He stands by what he believes.  I like him, but now I'm ready for a Clinton to get back in the White House.

Bush means business

President Bush said in his last State of the Union address Monday night that while the country has made good progress, "we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done."

Read the rest here.

Black Democrats Divided

Many black leaders haven't publicly committed to either of the two leading candidates, but when they do make a choice, age and experience tend to be a primary factor.

Among those supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton: U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown and former state Sen. Betty Holzendorf. Barack Obama's supporters include state Sen. Tony Hill, state Rep. Audrey Gibson and Duval County School Board member Brenda Priestly Jackson.

Holzendorf, whose political career began in 1975, said she doesn't dislike Obama. But she supported Clinton early in her bid to become president, based on their relationship.

She said Clinton's advocacy on behalf of children and women, including her push for better health care, have earned her endorsement.

"She's been there for us when we've needed somebody to be there for us in the struggle, so it's a commitment," Holzendorf said.

She said that even in her own family there is a fault line between age groups, with the younger people leaning toward the first-term senator from Illinois.

"They like what Obama is saying and they like the people who are supporting him," she said, pointing out that many young black artists and celebrities are campaigning for him. "Wherein the old civil rights people that we grew up with, the ones of us who are older that were in the struggle, we're familiar with them [the Clintons], so we're more attuned to that side."

Priestly Jackson said she chooses to support Obama because she believes in his ideals of unity and hope.

"Those of us who are younger and may have a different progressive vision can identify with Barack Obama's message a lot more," she said.

But some of the veteran politicians echo sentiments that Obama isn't prepared for the job.

"He's a wonderful young man," Brown said, but not ready to become the commander-in-chief.

She is one of the most vocal Clinton supporters in the local black community. "I'm going to opt for experienced change and I'm going to opt for what I know," she said.

Brown said she worked with the Clintons during Bill Clinton's time in the White House, and Hillary Clinton has campaigned for her numerous times.

Gibson said she decided to support Obama well before the primary season began, mainly because of his experience as an Illinois state senator.

"Him coming from the legislature and community-building background, he understands what states go through," said Gibson, who was elected in 2002. "To me, that gives you a different perspective when you go national."

She said she doesn't agree with those who say Obama, 46, isn't ready.

"Why do you have to be told you have to wait your turn or you haven't done enough?" she said.

Gibson believes that elder politicians who were in office during President Clinton's administration are honoring those ties by supporting his wife.

"People genuinely liked Bill Clinton. ... They liked him and his ease with people publicly, and I think they feel a particular obligation to support Hillary because of him," she said.

the field negro

From the field negro: "(KWAME KILPATRICK) Salacious text messages to your top aide? Negro what the hell is wrong with you? Have you never heard the saying 'don't shit where you eat'? Giving massa ammuniton to use against us because of your dumb ass and arrogant behavior, and being another black politician with poor judgment, makes you a house Negro all day long."

My response:

I'm just shakin' my head in utter disappointment. That's all I will say for now but dang, Kwame, just dang....

Obama Wins Big in South Carolina

Democrats in South Carolina turned out in unprecedented numbers for their primary Saturday and handed Sen. Barack Obama a 2-to-1 victory over Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Obama secured his first win since the Iowa caucuses by claiming 80 percent of the African-American votes.

The turnout of more than half a million eclipsed the Republican turnout from a week ago by 100,000 votes.

This is huge considering that six months ago Hillary had move black support that Obama.

After the polls closed, Obama stood before a crowd that changede "Race doesn't matter!" Ummm...yes it does. That's why you had to do that little chant. It shouldn't matter, but it does.

I'm happy for Barack but I'm telling you, this means nothing. The real test is in the weeks to come and for the first time I'll just come out and say it. I'm supporting Hillary. Why? Because race doesn't matter. I'm looking for experience and despite his charisma and obvious intellectual prowess, I think Barack should wait his turn and pay his dues. I want another Clinton in the White House. But that's just me.

That being said, I will not be mad at all if he wins the nomination. I will vote for him in th General Election.

How Clinton Will Win the Nomination by Losing S.C.

According to Dick Morris, a former political adviser to Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and President Bill Clinton,

"Hillary Clinton will undoubtedly lose the South Carolina primary as African-Americans line up to vote for Barack Obama. And that defeat will power her drive to the nomination.

The Clintons are encouraging the national media to disregard the whites who vote in South Carolina's Democratic primary and focus on the black turnout, which is expected to be quite large. They have transformed South Carolina into Washington, D.C. -- an all-black primary that tells us how the African-American vote is going to go.

By saying he will go door to door in black neighborhoods in South Carolina matching his civil rights record against Obama's, Bill Clinton emphasizes the pivotal role the black vote will play in the contest. And by openly matching his record on race with that of the black candidate, he invites more and more scrutiny focused on the race issue.

My response:

Sadly I agree with his analysis.  'Tis said, but 'tis true.  Read the rest of it.

Was Denzel Robbed?

Denzel Washington delivered it in two outstanding flicks: “American Gangster” and “The Great Debaters.” Yet the brother was shut out of the Oscars this year? Not one nod. Was he robbed?

I'll answer...Heck yeah he was robbed. Foolishness. Pure foolishness. But he still sexy! Does this man age?

Clinton - Obama duke it out

Sen. Hillary Clinton on Tuesday said Sen. Barack Obama had become frustrated by his losses in New Hampshire and Nevada, and she also accused her opponent of not backing up his words with action.

Obama responded quickly, saying Clinton was willing to "fudge the truth" in her quest for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The bitter exchange continued the sharp confrontations from Monday night's Democratic debate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The sniping came four days before Saturday's Democratic primary in South Carolina.

This first Democratic primary in the South is crucial. It's the candidates' last contest before the Super Tuesday primaries February 5 in which voters cast ballots in 24 states.

"Sen. Obama is very frustrated," Clinton told reporters in Washington. "The events of the last 10 or so days, particularly the outcomes of New Hampshire and Nevada, have apparently convinced him to adopt a different strategy.

"He came last night looking for a fight, and he was determined and launched right in, and I thought it was important to set the record straight."

The rest is here.

Obama and the Muslim rumor mill

Democrat Barack Obama stepped up his efforts Tuesday to battle back against e-mails that falsely label him a Muslim, telling an interviewer the ongoing rumors were part of a "systematic political strategy."

"I think it 's very important for people not to buy into the kinds of dirty tricks that we've become so accustomed to in our politics, and people need to understand I'm not and never have been of the Muslim faith," he told CBN's David Brody.

In e-mail messages that have been circulating as long as Obama has been a presidential candidate, the Illinois senator is said be a Muslim who refuses to recite the pledge of allegiance, and one who "joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background." In fact, Obama has never been a Muslim.

"I think that those who are of the Muslim faith are deserving of respect and dignity, but to try and feed into this fear-mongering and try to question my faith commitments and my belief in Jesus Christ, I think is offensive," Obama also said. "And I want to make sure that people are absolutely clear about what's going on with this, and if they get another one of these e-mails that they're deleting it and letting their friends know that it's nonsense."

Read the rest here.

Gwinnett's 12Stone church features a Starbucks

 

The new building for 12Stone Church on Buford Drive doesn't have a sanctuary. It has a worship experience center.

And what an experience it will be for the thousands of people expected to attend the Lawrenceville church, which had its grand opening Sunday. A congregation of the Wesleyan church, 12Stone was formerly called Crossroads Community Church.

In addition to the 2,500-seat high-tech worship center, the 105,000-square-foot building features a full-service Starbucks cafe, facilities for children, from birth through college, and film and recording studios.

My response:

Good for them.  Nothing better than the Word of God and a Venti Raspberry Mocha on a Sunday morning. 

No such thing as color blind

Cynthia tucker, a columnist on ajc.com discusses the issue of color-blind voters.  She writes:

In the discussion about Barack Obama’s candidacy, you often hear people say they are “color blind” — that they don’t look at Obama and see his race, that race is not something that even registers when they look at another person.

But they’re mistaken. Race is one of the first things you notice about people. And recent research suggests that most people have unconscious biases against black people in particular — feelings we may not even be aware of. That’s not to say that people are incurably racist. But we have to be aware of how we feel before we can change those feelings.

My response:

Well, you know she got some nasty comments after that series of columns.  It is to be expected.

And we are not color blind.  We see color.  We may not discriminate because of it but we do see it.  Anybody who says they don't is a liar.

I was in South Beach

Sorry I haven't posted in a while but I was in South Beach romping around Star Island and having way too much fun to think about posting.

I'm back now with plenty to say but not tonight 'cause I'm sleepy. Smooches!

Bishop Weeks tells his side of the story

So Bishop Weeks was on BET last night and I gotta tell you, he was very convincing. He denies beating Prophetess Bynum on that night in August 2007. I don't believe that. I also don't believe that he has never hit her. I do believe that we did not get the whole story and I believe him when he says she used to beat the crap out of him.

He also said that Juanita did not have a relationship with his daughter and that she was a different person when he would return from visiting her. I believe that.

According to Bishop Weeks, Prophetess Bynum wanted to walk away from ministry and go to Hollywood. I believe that too. Ministry is no joke and the higher up you go in it, the more mess you find out is going on. If you don't know any better, the mess that goes on makes you wonder if God even exists.

This mess right here is a prime example.

Clinton wins in New Hampshire

Well, all right Mrs. Senator Clinton! She is making this a race. It was tight until the end, but my favorite First Lady has shown that she will not go quietly into the night. I am happy for her and Obama as well because he has still shown that he is a real contender.

I will be happy with either one of them getting the nomination because I believe that either one of them can beat any Republican candidate. I do, however, wish Obama would have let Hillary have it this time and run the next time.

Best wishes to both candidates.

What You Say!

So Barack whipped Hillary and 'nem in Iowa yesterday.

Obama, 46, told a raucous victory rally his triumph showed that in "big cities and small towns, you came together to say, 'We are one nation, we are one people and our time for change has come.'"

Senator Chris Dodd and Senator Joseph Biden dropped out of the race. My response to that is...WHO?

I must say I am shocked. I expected him to do well, but I honestly didn't expect him to win. Even with Oprah's backing. Hmmm...perhaps Oprah is seated right next to God.

I guess Barack is sayin' "How ya like me now?"

Congratulations are in order but as I'm sure everyone knows, Barack can't get too excited. Hillary is not dead yet. And if Edwards drops out of the race, she could get his supporters too.

Barack, time to step up your security, bruh. You are now an official threat. Program Farrakhan and the NOI in your speed dial. Tee hee.

Oh, yeah, and Huckabee won for the GOP...<>

Violence in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya - A mob torched a church where hundreds had sought refuge Tuesday, and witnesses said dozens of people — including children — were burned alive or hacked to death with machetes in ethnic violence that followed Kenya's disputed election.

The killing of up to 50 ethnic Kikuyus in the Rift Valley city of Eldoret brought the death toll from four days of rioting to more than 275, raising fears of further unrest in what has been one of Africa's most stable democracies.

The latest violence recalled scenes from the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, when more than a half-million people were killed. The question facing Kenya is whether the politicians will lose control of the mobs, triggering a civil war.

President Mwai Kibaki, who was swiftly inaugurated for a second term Sunday after a vote that critics said was rigged, called for a meeting with his political opponents — a significant softening of tone for a man who rarely speaks to the press and who vowed to crack down on rioters.

But opposition candidate Raila Odinga refused, saying he would meet Kibaki only "if he announces that he was not elected." Odinga accused the government of stoking the chaos, telling The Associated Press in an interview that Kibaki's administration "is guilty, directly, of genocide."

The violence — from the shantytowns of Nairobi to resort towns on the sweltering coast — has exposed long-festering tribal resentment.

The people killed in Eldoret, about 185 miles northwest of Nairobi, were members of Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe.

They had fled to the Assemblies of God Church on Monday night, seeking refuge after mobs torched homes. Video from a helicopter chartered by the Red Cross showed many homes in flames and the horizon obscured by smoke. Groups of people were seen seeking sanctuary at schools and the airport, while others moved into the forest.

On Tuesday morning, a mob of about 2,000 arrived at the church, said George Karanja, whose family had sought refuge there.

"They started burning the church," Karanja said, his voice catching with emotion as he described the scene. "The mattresses that people were sleeping on caught fire. There was a stampede, and people fell on one another."

Karanja, 37, helped pull out at least 10 people, but added, "I could not manage to pull out my sister's son. He was screaming 'Uncle, uncle!' ... He died." The boy was 11.

Up to 50 people were killed in the attack, said a Red Cross official who spoke on condition of anonymity because her name would identify her tribe, and she feared reprisal. Even first aid workers were stopped by vigilantes who demanded their identity.

Karanja said his two children raised their hands as they left the church and they were beaten with a cane, but not killed. His 90-year-old father was attacked with a machete, but survived, he said.

"The worst part is that they were hacking people and then setting them on fire," he added.
The attackers saw Karanja saving people and began stoning him, he said. Karanja said he ran and hid — submerging himself in a pit latrine outside the church property. He stayed there about 30 minutes until he heard people speaking Kikuyu, he added.

The Kikuyu, Kenya's largest ethnic group, are accused of turning their dominance of politics and business to the detriment of others. Odinga is from the Luo tribe, a smaller but still major tribe that says it has been marginalized.

There are more than 40 tribes in Kenya, and political leaders have often used unemployed and uneducated young men to intimidate opponents. While Kibaki and Odinga have support from across the tribal spectrum, the youth responsible for the violence tend to see politics in strictly ethnic terms.

In Nairobi's slums, which are often divided along tribal lines, rival groups have been fighting each other with machetes and sticks as police use tear gas and bullets to keep them from pouring into the city center. The capital has been a ghost town for days, with residents stocking up on food and water and staying in their homes.

Parents in the capital's slums — home to a third of its population — searched for food, with many shops closed because of looting.

Anne Njoki, a 28-year-old Kikuyu, said she fled her home in a shantytown after she saw Kikuyus being attacked and their homes looted. She was camped near a military base with her sister, 3-year-old nephew and 7-year-old niece.

"They have taken our beds, blankets, even spoons," she said of the looters.
In the Mathare slum, Odinga supporters torched a minibus and attacked Kikuyu travelers, witnesses said.

"The car had 14 people in it, but they only slashed Kikuyus," said witness Boniface Mwangi. Five were attacked by the machete-wielding gang, he said.

The prospect of even more violence is ahead. Odinga insisted he would go ahead with plans to lead a protest march in the capital Thursday. The government banned the demonstration, but Odinga said: "It doesn't matter what they say."

The widespread violence and gathering international pressure could lead Kibaki to seek a compromise with the opposition.

The European Union and the United States have refused to congratulate Kibaki, and the EU and four top Kenyan election officials have called for an independent inquiry. In Britain, Kenya's former colonial ruler, Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged Kibaki and Odinga to hold talks.
Election commission chairman Samuel Kivuitu said Tuesday he had been pressed by both an opposition party and Kibaki's Party of National Unity to release the results of the vote. Western ambassadors "wanted me to delay announcing the results, even if it is for a week," to allow the commission to investigate alleged irregularities, he said.

Kibaki, 76, won by a landslide in 2002, ending 24 years of rule by Daniel arap Moi. Kibaki is praised for turning the country into an east African economic powerhouse with an average growth rate of 5 percent, but his anti-graft campaign has been seen as a failure, and the country still struggles with tribalism and poverty.

Odinga, 62, cast himself as a champion of the poor. His main constituency is the Kibera slum, where some 700,000 people live in poverty, but he has been accused of failing to do enough to help them in 15 years as a member of parliament.

Kenya's tourism industry, which brings in some $900 million and attracts more than 1 million visitors a year, is sure to suffer from the violence. The United States has warned tourists against all but essential travel to Kenya, and Britain has advised against travel in some areas.

Stuart Dickson, a Canadian who was vacationing in Nairobi, said he was cutting short his visit.
"We are leaving early because of the riots and how dangerous it is to be out on the streets," he said. "With shops being closed and everything, it is not the best place for a tourist or traveler to be right now."

My response:
For years I have been driven to fight against oppression, racism, all forms of injustice. I automatically assumed that that meant fighting "The Man"... "The White Man." I'm almost 36 years old and what I have come to understand is that the fight is not about black and white. The fight is against ignorance and evil and that comes in all colors, both sexes and on every level of the socioeconomic ladder.

I must say that I am totally confused as to how people who don't believe in God think that the world's problems can be solved. He is our only hope. I'm going to pray. Join me.