Gays Are Holding Obama’s Feet to the Fire. Why Not Black Folks?

[thoughtone]

I guess things are just fine as far as the way Obama is handling Black folks issues. Obama seems to only respond positively to those that criticize him.


source: Towleroad

05/27/2009

Obama to Face Gay Protest at DNC Beverly Hills Fundraiser Tonight

President Obama, the alleged "fierce advocate" for LGBT rights, is scheduled to attend a Democratic Party fundraiser at the Beverly Hilton tonight, one day after White House spokesman Robert Gibbs refused to offer any official response to the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Proposition 8 in California.

A Courage Campaign-organized demonstration is scheduled to take place in front of the Beverly Hilton this evening. The group writes: "Let's take this opportunity, just one day after the CA Supreme Court makes its decision on Proposition 8, to show our President our support for his daring promise to our community and to highlight the growing movement towards FULL FEDERAL EQUALITY."

Attending the demonstration will be recently discharged (under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell') Lt. Dan Choi and other LGBT military servicemembers: "They will ask for response from President Obama to the letter signed by 136,000 people asking the president not to fire Lt. Choi by ending DADT."

How long can President Obama remain mute on his promises to the LGBT voters who elected him?

 

[QueEx]

`

What is it, at this point, that we should be holding his feet to the fire, for ???


QueEx

 

[Cruise]

`

What is it, at this point, that we should be holding his feet to the fire, for ???


QueEx

Poor education system
high incarceration rates
harsher penalties in the court system
higher arrest and indictment rates
higher rates of unemployment from government contractors
predatory lending practices from banks receiving bailout funds
lack of access to credit in the communities/neighborhoods
lack of representation on the Supreme Court
lack of representation in the banking/insurance sectors

shall I continue?

 

[Imhotep]

Poor education system
high incarceration rates
harsher penalties in the court system
higher arrest and indictment rates
higher rates of unemployment from government contractors
predatory lending practices from banks receiving bailout funds
lack of access to credit in the communities/neighborhoods
lack of representation on the Supreme Court
lack of representation in the banking/insurance sectors

shall I continue?

I think (and feel)most of those issue can be solved by us (men). We setting our up for disappointment to expect Obama to solve these problems.

Finally Gay issues and Blk issues are not the same, or did I miss something?

 

[QueEx]

I think (and feel)most of those issue can be solved by us (men). We setting our up for disappointment to expect Obama to solve these problems.

Finally Gay issues and Blk issues are not the same, or did I miss something?

I agree with you; though I don't dispute that Cruise's list comprises issues we should be interested in and which the administration should take steps to deal with.

But, expecting him to solve all of those, as you pointed out, is unrealistic and probably impossible -- unless, however, they are just put out there knowing they are unattainable but knowing that one can always point the finger and say see, I told you he isn't/didn't do -- shit.

But its a good list of concerns.

QueEx

 

[VegasGuy]

Excuse me thoughtone, I resent this equivocation of fag business with our civil rights issues. On issues necessary for our survival, we will get after President Obama but this gay shit isn't our issue.

-VG

 

[Lamarr]

Excuse me thoughtone, I resent this equivocation of fag business with our civil rights issues. On issues necessary for our survival, we will get after President Obama but this gay shit isn't our issue.

-VG

c/s

 

[Cristar Mymine]

Excuse me thoughtone, I resent this equivocation of fag business with our civil rights issues. On issues necessary for our survival, we will get after President Obama but this gay shit isn't our issue.

-VG

"fag business"

 

[thoughtone]

I thought we could discussion issues on this board in an intelligent and mature way. The gay issues are not necessary the point, but I used the article to illustrate how a group who whole heartedly backed Obama is looking beyond the feel good issue of having “their guy” elected and are now facing the reality of not having their issues addressed in a fashion they feel appropriate. You young post 1979 born individuals should learn from them.

As far as “Black folks” issues, how about:

Police brutality
The lack of access to health care
The sad state of schools in the Black neighborhoods
The portrayal of “Black” images in the media
Minority ownership in the media
The proliferation of economic attacks in the Black community (pay day loans, title loans, rent to own…)
among many others!

 

[actinanass]

Poor education system
high incarceration rates
harsher penalties in the court system
higher arrest and indictment rates
higher rates of unemployment from government contractors
predatory lending practices from banks receiving bailout funds
lack of access to credit in the communities/neighborhoods
lack of representation on the Supreme Court
lack of representation in the banking/insurance sectors

shall I continue?

Stop doing crime...

Stop doing crime...

stop doing crime...

get more qualified...

he can do something about that..

He won't do anything about that...

Clarence Thomas....OH YEA, he isn't BLACK right?

That's our responsibility....

 

[actinanass]

I thought we could discussion issues on this board in an intelligent and mature way. The gay issues are not necessary the point, but I used the article to illustrate how a group who whole heartedly backed Obama is looking beyond the feel good issue of having “their guy” elected and are now facing the reality of not having their issues addressed in a fashion they feel appropriate. You young post 1979 born individuals should learn from them.

As far as “Black folks” issues, how about:

Police brutality
The lack of access to health care
The sad state of schools in the Black neighborhoods
The portrayal of “Black” images in the media
Minority ownership in the media
The proliferation of economic attacks in the Black community (pay day loans, title loans, rent to own…)
among many others!

Again....

Police brutality is bad, but its somewhat preventable. A lot of cases, I REPEAT A LOT OF CASES, happen because the person either had an attitude, or did something to accidentally provoke a situation. By no means I'm not blaming all on the person, however, to think the president can do anything about that is nuts.

Dude, health care isn't a problem until someone gets sick. You have to want health care insurance. A lot of people younger than 35 do not care to have health insurance. I mean, I wasn't going to buy health insurance because I knew I would get a job to get health insurance. Would you rather have more jobs PROVIDING health care than the government? Oh wait, more jobs means more people making money. That also means less dependent people on the government. Which means, less democratic voters? OH NO we can't have that now THOUGHT can we?

One thing that made my life better was understanding how to do more with less. It doesn't matter how much a black community will get compared to a white community. Equipment means nothing if the community isn't backing the school, and its students. Every other race take care of their community except us. Is it because we expect this notion that we should be given a great school without any effort? This is why most of OUR people move to the suburbs. We expect a president to make ALL the black schools good just like the white schools. While we keep on expecting, other schools are passing us by laps. Maybe its not the president job to fix our schools. Maybe its on us..... OH NO, that means we need to practice personal responsibility right?

Have you ever thought that we want to see ourselves in that image? Think about how everyone down Condi, and Colin before Colin supported Barack. Look at how you look at me because I'm a black conservative. The media only puts out what they think we want to see, not the other way around.

Go call Diddy, and Jay Z to do something with that.

The loan companies only make their money because they know that we want easy money. A president can say "don't do this..." and companies like that would find another way to get to us. The thing Obama can do is CUT taxes for businesses that develop in the inner cities. That would make more jobs that people wouldn't be tempted to get a pay day loan all the time.

 

[Lamarr]

I thought we could discussion issues on this board in an intelligent and mature way.

As far as “Black folks” issues, how about:

Police brutality
The lack of access to health care
The sad state of schools in the Black neighborhoods
The portrayal of “Black” images in the media
Minority ownership in the media
The proliferation of economic attacks in the Black community (pay day loans, title loans, rent to own…)
among many others!

You right man! (I'm just not very tolerant of the issue)

Other than the Fed Reserve devaluing our currency, the most pressing issue I see is this BS War on Drugs that's destroying our communities and family stucture. Na, I don't drink or smoke but I realize that we gotta change the approach on how we fight it cause what we've been doing the last 30 yrs has been fiscally irresponsible.

 

[Deacs]

Re: Gays Are Holding Obama’s Feet to the Fire. Why Not Black Folks?

written below

Poor education system - issue nationwide regardless of race, easily fixed by parents making kids read more on their own as others in situation have done. Which means that parents are poor motivators and examples to their children.

high incarceration rates - that will remain with ignorant men

harsher penalties in the court system - being worked on making it more equal to other constituents in reference to drug sentences

higher arrest and indictment rates - same as answer one

higher rates of unemployment from government contractors - real issue not addressed

predatory lending practices from banks receiving bailout funds - ignorance of people to fall prey to this. If you refuse to read the fine print...

lack of access to credit in the communities/neighborhoods - real issue not addressed

lack of representation on the Supreme Court - won't be addressed, you better be satisfied with 2 minorities for now

lack of representation in the banking/insurance sectors - community issue, no government regulation would help this

shall I continue? please do.

 

[thoughtone]

Stop doing crime...

Stop doing crime...

stop doing crime...

get more qualified...

he can do something about that..

He won't do anything about that...

Clarence Thomas....OH YEA, he isn't BLACK right?

That's our responsibility....

Sean Bell

Kathryn Johnston

I guess it would have been justified if the had guns on them and police records. actinanasshole!

 

[actinanass]

Sean Bell

Kathryn Johnston

I guess it would have been justified if the had guns on them and police records. actinanasshole!

dude, by no means, I'm justifying police brutality. However, its our responsibility to be smart about the situation. It is a case by case basis. The only thing we can do is to control OUR actions. Is that so hard to preach?

I do agree that there's some dickhead cops. This does not give you a license to be a dick head towards the cops. Instead of hoping for "change" we need to change our actions. Teach our youth how to deal with the law first of all.

 

[thoughtone]

dude, by no means, I'm justifying police brutality. However, its our responsibility to be smart about the situation. It is a case by case basis. The only thing we can do is to control OUR actions. Is that so hard to preach?

I do agree that there's some dickhead cops. This does not give you a license to be a dick head towards the cops. Instead of hoping for "change" we need to change our actions. Teach our youth how to deal with the law first of all.

My daddy taught me that if you respond to fools, you are brought down to their level.

 

[Cruise]

lack of representation in the banking/insurance sectors - community issue, no government regulation would help this

shall I continue? please do.

You should read some of Lamarr's posts and get some information on banking and insurance if you truly believe this.

I'll just say this... the community hasn't had control of the financial sector since 1864.

One thing that made my life better was understanding how to do more with less.

So, the logical conclusion is you do the MOST with the least.

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

It's hard to seriously consider your statements because you make so many nonsensical arguments like this.

I was like that in my youth, but at least you're here reading.

But, expecting him to solve all of those, as you pointed out, is unrealistic and probably impossible -- unless, however, they are just put out there knowing they are unattainable but knowing that one can always point the finger and say see, I told you he isn't/didn't do -- shit.

All he has to do is acknowledge they exist. If he had a state of the union address and said

"police brutality must stop" or
"predatory business in poor communities must end" or
"this war on drugs is an utter failure and the government will no longer fund it"

I would be impressed.

 

[actinanass]

Sean Bell

Kathryn Johnston

I guess it would have been justified if the had guns on them and police records. actinanasshole!

dude, by no means, I'm justifying police brutality. However, its our responsibility to be smart about the situation. It is a case by case basis. The only thing we can do is to control OUR actions. Is that so hard to preach?

I do agree that there's some dickhead cops. This does not give you a license to be a dick head towards the cops. Instead of hoping for "change" we need to change our actions. Teach our youth how to deal with the law first of all.

 

[actinanass]

My daddy taught me that if you respond to fools, you are brought down to their level.

So you think I'm foolish because I have a different opinion than you?

And I'm suppose to be the close minded person?

 

[actinanass]

You should read some of Lamarr's posts and get some information on banking and insurance if you truly believe this.

I'll just say this... the community hasn't had control of the financial sector since 1864.



So, the logical conclusion is you do the MOST with the least.

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

It's hard to seriously consider your statements because you make so many nonsensical arguments like this.

I was like that in my youth, but at least you're here reading.



All he has to do is acknowledge they exist. If he had a state of the union address and said

"police brutality must stop" or
"predatory business in poor communities must end" or
"this war on drugs is an utter failure and the government will no longer fund it"

I would be impressed.

So what impress you is pandering? Why do you want empty rhetoric?

BTW, the War on Drugs, and the War on Poverty are both utter failures. In fact, I would say that the War on Poverty was the reason why many cats got on drugs, but I'm going to save that for another "Opinion of Actinanass" post.

 

[Cruise]

So what impress you is pandering? Why do you want empty rhetoric?.

It's empty rhetoric when it has no effect. Since he hasn't done it yet, neither of us know what effect it would have.

I strongly believe, if he said those things to the nation in a "state of the union" address, it would have a meaningful effect on the country.

And yes, I would be impressed if Obama "PANDERED" to the community of slave descendants in this country.

 

[actinanass]

It's empty rhetoric when it has no effect. Since he hasn't done it yet, neither of us know what effect it would have.

I strongly believe, if he said those things to the nation in a "state of the union" address, it would have a meaningful effect on the country.

And yes, I would be impressed if Obama "PANDERED" to the community of slave descendants in this country.

Forgive me, I'm not into hearing politicians talk about what they want to do. I rather see results beforehand. Where I come from, the loudest talker tend not to get shit done. Words don't move me, actions do.

 

[Cruise]

Forgive me, I'm not into hearing politicians talk about what they want to do. I rather see results beforehand. Where I come from, the loudest talker tend not to get shit done. Words don't move me, actions do.

That's fine.

Politicians talk. I agree. So, why can't he talk about the concerns of slave descendants?

The one thing politicians can do is talk and Obama can't talk about this? Doesn't sound like much of a "black" President to me.

First, there must be talk. Talk leads to action. If we're not first talking about it, how can we expect action, let alone results?

 

[actinanass]

That's fine.

Politicians talk. I agree. So, why can't he talk about the concerns of slave descendants?

The one thing politicians can do is talk and Obama can't talk about this? Doesn't sound like much of a "black" President to me.

First, there must be talk. Talk leads to action. If we're not first talking about it, how can we expect action, let alone results?

There's nothing he can say that can fix our communities.

What he can do is something he WON'T do. To get our communities on the right track is to promote economic growth in our community. However, if he do that, he would be basically going towards the right because he would have to cut spending, and taxes altogether.

 

[Cruise]

There's nothing he can say that can fix our communities.

What he can do is something he WON'T do. To get our communities on the right track is to promote economic growth in our community. However, if he do that, he would be basically going towards the right because he would have to cut spending, and taxes altogether.

So, you're saying cutting military, defense, law enforcement spending is moving to the right?

But, I agree Obama won't do anything meaningful. He will kiss every group's ass other than the group most loyal to him. Serves them right.

It's the Bush strategy (and it works well).

 

[Lamarr]

There's nothing he can say that can fix our communities.

What he can do is something he WON'T do. To get our communities on the right track is to promote economic growth in our community. However, if he do that, he would be basically going towards the right because he would have to cut spending, and taxes altogether.

Oh, it's plenty he could say! MLK had a message and he didn't need $750 million from the banks to promote his message. Since Obama commands so much attention at this point, he can open up dialog. It took us a generation to get to where we are today, a quick fix to our community issues aint gone happen. I'm just referring to the 60's when we had more community activism, involvement, and more of a family structure. Economic growth comes from productivity and investment from the private sector. IMO, that is an economic formula for success, not a left/right issue. I'll say it again, if you all want economic equality, we must study monetary policy. (The Federal Reserve System)

Its plenty he could say. The message will promote itself!

 

[Cruise]

Oh, it's plenty he could say! MLK had a message and he didn't need $750 million from the banks to promote his message. Since Obama commands so much attention at this point, he can open up dialog. It took us a generation to get to where we are today, a quick fix to our community issues aint gone happen. I'm just referring to the 60's when we had more community activism, involvement, and more of a family structure. Economic growth comes from productivity and investment from the private sector. IMO, that is an economic formula for success, not a left/right issue. I'll say it again, if you all want economic equality, we must study monetary policy. (The Federal Reserve System)

This is the knowledge you will never see on TV, in the paper, in the schools/colleges, in the government.

This is a threat to the status quo.

Its plenty he could say. The message will promote itself!

It sounds like he's already given up trying.

The old... "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" mentality.

 

[The Amerikkkan Idol]

Stop doing crime...

Stop doing crime...

stop doing crime...

get more qualified...

he can do something about that..

He won't do anything about that...

Clarence Thomas....OH YEA, he isn't BLACK right?

That's our responsibility....

Bullshit.

The areas with the WORST school funding and the WORST employment options are ALWAYS the ones with the most crime.

There's no such thing as being the poorest schools, with the lowest tax base, in the poorest areas, with the worst job market, but the area itself being a utopia with no crime, because everybody's taking "personal responsibility".

You want proof of that?

What happened when the Italians and Irish were in the American ghettoes?

They were THE ONLY street criminals in this country for over 200 years.

While we were still slaves, they were killing each other over bootleg liquor.

That's how you destroy communities.

Once they decided to turn what they used to destroy White immigrants to Blacks and Latinos, the SAME result happened.

Poor, uneducated people commit crimes. It has nothing to do with race.

So, you're saying cutting military, defense, law enforcement spending is moving to the right?

But, I agree Obama won't do anything meaningful. He will kiss every group's ass other than the group most loyal to him. Serves them right.

It's the Bush strategy (and it works well).

I told these niggaz that last year, when the elections were happening and they were throwing Civil Rights leaders UNDER the bus for this nigga.

I asked them, "What can he do other than give us a "Black History" moment?"

MLK anticipated this 40 years ago, when Carl Stokes was elected in Cleveland as the first Black mayor and people wanted to act as if, that and that alone was the end of racial inequity.

MLK told them straight up that as long as most of the people tellin' him what to do are White and most of the people he serves are White, it makes little difference.


Never though MLK would still be droppin' science 40 years after his death.

 

[thoughtone]

So you think I'm foolish because I have a different opinion than you?

And I'm suppose to be the close minded person?

No you’re foolish because you’re ignorant! All you do is parrot what the right wing media pundits spew the night before. You never post facts to back up your ideology. And what’s worse, you actually think you are making valid points. I can debate right wingers like Greed and Lamar, because they at least have some type of historical perspective on their views. You are totally ignorant of history. It’s as if you were taught history by Faux Snooze. No you are not foolish because you have different opinions from me, you are foolish because your different opinions are not your own, they are Limbaugh’s, Hannity’s, Glen Beck’s, etc. and you just repeat them. In fact they are not even opinions, they are sound bytes!

 

[Arctic Sun]

Gays are holding Obama's feet to the fire b/c they have a couple of hot button issues to rally around. Blacks don't have that. It has the media's full attention and therefore Obama's full attention. I do expect him to stall the gay community out for as long as he can, cuz their issues are not a priority.

As the economy dries up even more, less attention will be paid to "black issues". And if the man even attempts to address more than one of those, he'll be a one term president and the pendulum will probably swing slightly to the right as all those white folks that "bought in" to Obama go back to the other side or go Libertarian.

You can try to hold his feet to the fire if you want. Shit ain't coming from it until 2013 at the earliest

 

[actinanass]

So, you're saying cutting military, defense, law enforcement spending is moving to the right?

But, I agree Obama won't do anything meaningful. He will kiss every group's ass other than the group most loyal to him. Serves them right.

It's the Bush strategy (and it works well).

So he can cut military spending while we are in 2 wars? Thats smart thinking huh?

Dude, moving to the right means cutting bullshit government programs. For example, Pig research in Iowa is something to cut.

Remember the stimulus bill haven't created any jobs yet......It just paid off his supporters....

 

[actinanass]

No you’re foolish because you’re ignorant! All you do is parrot what the right wing media pundits spew the night before. You never post facts to back up your ideology. And what’s worse, you actually think you are making valid points. I can debate right wingers like Greed and Lamar, because they at least have some type of historical perspective on their views. You are totally ignorant of history. It’s as if you were taught history by Faux Snooze. No you are not foolish because you have different opinions from me, you are foolish because your different opinions are not your own, they are Limbaugh’s, Hannity’s, Glen Beck’s, etc. and you just repeat them. In fact they are not even opinions, they are sound bytes!

Really? I've been proven wrong?

Didn't I say that he *Obama* would have a hard time if he moves too far left too fast?

I could bring up my old post if you like.

BTW, I guess I need to find "facts" from the Huffington Post to satisfy you HUH? I mean they are the best facts I can get online RIGHT?

 

[thoughtone]

Really? I've been proven wrong?

Didn't I say that he *Obama* would have a hard time if he moves too far left too fast?

I could bring up my old post if you like.

BTW, I guess I need to find "facts" from the Huffington Post to satisfy you HUH? I mean they are the best facts I can get online RIGHT?

No don't talk about it, do it.

 

[Lamarr]

Gays are holding Obama's feet to the fire b/c they have a couple of hot button issues to rally around. Blacks don't have that. It has the media's full attention and therefore Obama's full attention.

You got me thinkin' with that statement, it's so true. Let me share some observations with the board in Obama's defense. I'm not lettin' him off the hook but let me throw this out

Gays / Lesbians...........got a Lobby!
La Raza...................got a Lobby!
Jews / Israel.............got a Lobby!
Military Industrial Complex.....got a Lobby!
Financial Sector..........got a Lobby!
Oil.......................damn sure got a Lobby!
Pharmacueticals...........got a Lobby!
Environmentalist..........got a Lobby!

Blacks....................?????????
American Workers..........?????????

All these groups have powerful lobbies to fight for their issues, no doubt with some Rockefellor influence, but thats another thread! Pardon my ignorance but Do We Have A Lobby?

 

[thoughtone]

You got me thinkin' with that statement, it's so true. Let me share some observations with the board in Obama's defense. I'm not lettin' him off the hook but let me throw this out

Gays / Lesbians...........got a Lobby!
La Raza...................got a Lobby!
Jews / Israel.............got a Lobby!
Military Industrial Complex.....got a Lobby!
Financial Sector..........got a Lobby!
Oil.......................damn sure got a Lobby!
Pharmacueticals...........got a Lobby!
Environmentalist..........got a Lobby!

Blacks....................?????????
American Workers..........?????????

All these groups have powerful lobbies to fight for their issues, no doubt with some Rockefellor influence, but thats another thread! Pardon my ignorance but Do We Have A Lobby?

American Workers..........?????????

They have a lobby, although weakened since the so called Reagan revolution. They are called UNIONS! The right wing/conservatives/republicans are the main cause that the worker/unions have diminished power, yet they have the audacity to today claim popular support with workers. Their philosophy and work has caused workers harm. From Taft Hartley in the 1940s to Reagan’s crushing of PATCO in the 1980s, the right
wing/conservatives/republicans don’t have a leg to stand on with this issue.

(9ee Labor Thread)

KNOW YOUR HISTORY!

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