Dr. Wilmer Leon on Obama: Honest Criticism is not Betrayal, it’s Democratic

May 20, 2011 By Staff 50 Comments

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III

A very troubling pattern is developing within certain segments of the African American community. There’s a concerted effort by some within the community to silence those who are offering honest, valid, and well thought through analysis and criticism of the Obama administration.

Radio host Tom Joyner recently told his audience that those who criticize the President are “haters” and need to be quiet because he (President Obama) doesn’t need the Black vote to be split. On his radio program Rev. Al Sharpton recently attacked the motivations and integrity of those, myself included (full disclosure) who questioned President Obama’s willingness to meet with the CBC to discuss targeted jobs legislation. Former Princeton Professor Melissa Harris-Perry recently referred to Professor Cornell West’s critique of the Obama administration as, “a self-aggrandizing, victimology sermon deceptively wrapped in the discourse of prophetic witness…” As these and others attack the messengers, their analysis of the relevance of the message is woefully lacking.

These ad hominem attacks by Sharpton, Joyner, Harris-Perry and others, as well intended as they may be are very dangerous to the African American community and the democratic process. In Germany in 1933, one of the elements that brought an end to the Weimar Republic was an intolerance of dissenting opinions and vicious personal attacks on individuals who questioned the direction of the government. In 1950 McCarthyism was the order of the day; unsupported accusations of disloyalty ruined a number of careers and lives in this country. Is the African American community in the midst of a Weimar or McCarthy moment?
Anecdotally, as others in the community attempt to engage in informed debate about the dismissals of Van Jones and Shirley Sherrod, allowing the Bush era tax cuts to continue, the escalation from two military endeavors to three (Libya), lack of support for union workers in Wisconsin, and other issues; they are summarily dismissed as traitors, “haters”, crazy, and misinformed. Or, as Professor Harris-Perry describes, “the self-appointed black leadership class that has been largely supplanted in recent years.”

What is being overlooked is the fact that honest constructive criticism is not betrayal, it’s key to the democratic process. In a representative democracy it is very important for citizens to vote but voting in and of itself is not enough. Staying engaged in the process and holding your elected representatives accountable is of the utmost importance and truly demonstrates democracy in action. If an interest group is not getting what it voted for it is obligated to protest, question, and demand that it does.

Tom Joyner asked, “What would it be like without a black man in office?” followed by the statement, “If you don’t support him it will be much worse.” It must be clearly understood that having an African American in the Oval Office is not in-and-of itself a victory. Without substantive and measurable policy outputs that benefit the African American community, the ethnic makeup of the president is irrelevant. Also, is the “…it will be much worse” statement supposed to be a comparison to Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, Representative Michele Bachmannn (R-MN) or some other neo-conservative reactionary politician ? If so, why should African Americans assess success by comparisons to the worst for us instead of policy outputs that are the best for us?

The critics of President Obama are not comparing him to some baseless abstract standard. In most instances they are comparing Obama to Obama. He pledged to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay; pledged to fight for the public option; pledged to end the Bush-era tax cuts, and pledged to give “change we can believe in.” Many are claiming the more things change the more they look like Bush.

To demonstrate his support to the Hispanic community President Obama nominated the first Hispanic female Supreme Court Justice and supports the Hispanic communities call for comprehensive immigration reform by saying, “I want to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, to enforce our laws and also to address the status of millions of undocumented workers.” To demonstrate his support to the Gay/Lesbian community, President Obama supported ending the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. To demonstrate his support for women and feminists in America he signed the “Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act”. Even as the tide shifts in the Middle-East, the Obama Administration continues to provide unyielding support for Zionist interests in America. As the African American community evaluates its issues and options leading into 2012 and looks at a 16.2% unemployment rate, why not expect President Obama to use his bully pulpit to support targeted unemployment legislation to address this issue?

In 1857 Fredrick Douglas said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both.” President Obama is the one in power therefore the African American community must demand from him support for its just due. For the Joyner’s, Sharpton’s, and Harris-Perry’s of the world to call for quiet submission is dangerous and a clear demonstration of the exact measure of injustice they are willing to tolerate. Honest Criticism is not Betrayal, it’s Democratic.

Wilmer Leon is the Producer/ Host of the nationally broadcast call-in talk radio program “Inside the Issues with Wilmer Leon,” and a Teaching Associate in the Department of Political Science at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Go to www.wilmerleon.com or email: wjl3us@yahoo.com. www.twitter.com/drwleon

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Filed Under: Commentary, Featured, Politics, Uncategorized, Your Black World Tagged With: african american politics, black politics, black scholars, wilmer leon

Dintellect69

Criticize all you want and hide behind democracy all you want. I find it in bad taste to say President Obama is anything like Bush. Sounds more like “my degree(s) are just as good as his…I’m smart to.” Leave it to the academics to all of a sudden forget that Congress makes things happen. The President has put in the work. He’s accomplished things no other President has been able to accomplish though promised. You need to call out your reps in congress that keep getting in the way of progress. I’m really getting tired of the crabs in our bucket community trying to get some publicity.

Leroyavery

You see this president not going though congress all the time now, he wants to be a dictator of the US.

Malikshy

We live in a world that advocates for freedom of speech and I agree; the Constitution allows freedom of speech. Even though, we are still held accountable if and when we say something that goes against the “Powers to be.” Obama is doing an excellent job considering ALL the crap he was given from the previous Commander and Chief. More importantly, he is not a Civil Rights Advocate there are other people God gave that calling too (Al Sharpton). People (blacks) are asking him to do something we have failed in many regards to do for ourselves. Our president has done some amazing and much needed things and the Right-Wing Biggots always find something negative to say. So, for those of you who want to throw stones and criticize him I have a response.
1. Where was your criticism when Bush turned his back on Katrina?
2. Where was your intellectual debate when Bush stole the election?
3. Where was your criticism when Bush basically said “Osama Bin Laden” was not priority and his whereabouts were unknown?
4. Where were your Opt Ed when the deficit started to implode?

You get the point! Why is it that because our president is black that we expect him to do what we can do for ourselves. Let him do his thing and get this second election and I guarantee he will stir some shit up later on. I highly suggest you look at the purpose of his current legislation. In the meantime, pray for his safety, his family, strength, guidance, consciousness, favor, and God’s speed! To me, he is the greatest president ever!!!!!!

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_73CIKYA25XJQN4I3WN5CX6JTCU LEROY A

If I remember correctly Obama asked for this job, and you are wasteing our time blameing Bush who has not been in office for over two years. Obama has spent more money than all of the previous president together and what do we have for it? You are the all black people need to kiss Obamas butt because he is black people when histroy has shown us that we are our own worst enemy. Black people do not listen to these leaders that let you just say okay to all Obama does think for yourslf we are not cattle wit no mind Judge this president on what he does not his color. If you judge Obama on his policies you will see the truth and see the truth about our black leaders.

Reubenkharpole

When Mr. President was running for office he told us that he could not do this by him self. He has pushed for educationrefrm so that our schools can produce more competent folks with skills that will be able to hellp by running things. I you have nothing to offer How can you help. One example is this: The federal government announce the other day tht it could not find enough business to buy from and they listed many items that thy need. Where are our entrepreneurs? Why are our scholors ignoring this gret chalenge to teach our children? I would hope that you all would read What Dr. Benjamin Mays said about education in the September 2004 issue of Ebony Magazine “The Last Of the Great Educators” by Lerone Bennett. In that article he gave the purpose of an education . I personally asked him one day This question ” Dr. Mays what is the purpose for education” he did not hasitate when he said “The purpose of eduction is so that the world will not cheat you.” His phlosophy is in that article. In it he said this”If you are ignorant the world will cheat you,If you are weak the world will kick you and if you are a coward the world will keep you running.” This the same argument that Booker T. Washington and William Edward Burgart Du Bois had many years ago Leqrning a trade or being a scholor. We need them both. The MBA’s could run businesses, The accountants could assist with management, The Lawyers could keep them out of trouble The skilled workers could keep industry going. We are wasting our energy aruing.Reuben.
Makedaivor

Leroy A, you really need to check your facts about expenditures. Who turned the apple cart upside down with spillage in every direction? Since you know how to run the country like the rest with everybody’s butt in a sling except the filthy rich, please outline the working solutions and take them to Congress and the White House el pronto.

Pat King

An extraordinary thing happened in 2008, an African-American male was elected to the highest place of employment in this nation, the office of the president. In my short life, I always contended that until American respects a black man and considers him at least equal in status to a white woman, black America will never “arrive” as a power in American. But, I was wrong and pleasantly surprised. Barack H. Obama is one smart black brother who understands the “man.” And I think it’s about time other black men, particularily our academics learn that too. Criticize the President, yes, when you feel his actions and policies aren’t working to benefit you, your family, your community. In your criticism offer a counter-plan and not just a bunch of hot air. I once respected Professor Cornel West and would flock to see him anywhere. But when he invoked an atmosphere of disrespect and venom in his critique of our President, I shuddered. On an Al-Jerzeer interview and on other news media, the professor has called the President “weak, without any backbone, and spindless” to name a few insults. I’m sorry; but these arent’ legitimate criticisms; these are purely personal attacks. The one thing these brothers have in common with other establishment types (whites) is their weak attempt to convince us that President Obama is another Bush and his concern is for wealthy whites only(laughable). This brother (our President) has black daughters – he wants the best for them and us. Be patient, keep sending the President your letters, support his endeavors (with cash), be a concentrated power block. One huge problem in the black community is we don’t continuously show our stength in numbers (exceptions: a protest demonstration, the Million Man March/Million Woman March) – our voices must be visually hear. Where were the black folks in Wisconsin? A speck here and a speck there! Shame on us! We should have been there with the other masses of Americans. We need to do what we use to do before intergration – helped one another. Help this brother, our President to be reelected so that he can really accomplish his goals for changes we can believe in.

Wattsfamilyliving

Do you work for President Obama? Were you in Wisconsin? Were you able to count the African Americans who were actually there?

I’m getting tired of this shame on us mentality – when millions of us go to work every day – raise families and live under the gun ( as a black woman the put downs are relentless) the way we do. Seriously? Shame on YOU for thinking we’re a bunch of lazy good for nothings.

Why is Professor West being put under the gun for critiquing the president? I’m just curious as to what Obama has done to achieve such hero worship from you?

Professor West has been in the trenches, advocated, and the like for every person of color – not just black folks. It’s insulting for you to state that we can criticize Obama when his policies aren’t beneficial to “you personally” – what an insulting load of crap.

President Obama has met with the Hispanic Caucus how many times? What about the Gay Lobby? Now, compare that with how many times as he met with the Black Caucus?

President Obama should be held accountable for his actions and criticized like any other LACKING president would be.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Shakka-Zulu/1379420279 Shakka Zulu

I agree with you 100%..Netanyahu kept the Prez waiting for their meeting by over 90 mins..This is the President of the US who has been giving Israel money like it’s candy, and he was kept waiting, because this bully called Israel, wanted to teach this black man a lesson for talking about Israel needing to move her borders back to the 1967 limit..This is white supremancy at it’s height, telling this black man, boy you had better learn you place..I dont feel sorry for Obama, he asked for this job, he got it, now it’s time to act like a grown up and lead..He’s surrounded himself with all these whites and jews in his cabinet..

His cabinet has more whites in it, than GWB had in his..Dr West is mad because this Larry Summers who was a failure as Secretary of the Treasury under Clinton’s Administration, was allowed to be an advisor to Obama..This was the same Summers as President of Harvard who fired West for personal reasons..Obama was raised by white people, why the hell are we getting bent out of shape expecting him to act black? His only connection to us is through his wife and children..Even Michelle’s brother married a white woman, what the hell are we expecting from these people? When we send our children off to these ivy league schools, this is what happens to them, they become white washed negroes..
Drag Dog

Very well said.

Ariel Dominique

One of the biggest problems if not the biggest problem of African Americans and black people in the world in general is not the fact that we are victims of unjust policies and overall discrimination. It is that we have a serious problem of low self -esteem caused by centuries of violent and horrific abuse to say the least. All black people in their sub-conscious or very conscious beings (liberals, rich, poor, middle class, light skin dark skin Caribbean Africans…you name it) have the scars of colonialism rooted deeply in our beings. The day Obama won the presidency, we were not crying because we thought that finally just and progressive policies were going to be enacted in our benefits. We were crying because finally our humanity seemed to be recognized on a national and international scale. That is why the day Obama won, he lifted a weight on our shoulder that no policy could have. That is also why we are protective of him. This is not fiction, it is very real, and of great worth. We should not underestimate the fact that the scars of colonialism were and still are so heavy that sometimes it is difficult for us to stand up and fight for our rights; to have the courage to do so. Having said that, I still believe that we have to fight in order to ensure that progressive and just policies are enacted. MLK and Malcom’s battles are far from over. I do agree that much more could be done. But as a black woman it is very important that Obama’s image is protected and it is important for me to support him. That is why, I don’t understand Tavis Smiley and Specially Cornel West. In their quest to fight for our rights, they seem to have forgotten what may have been most important to us. They seem self-serving in this case and underestimate our loyalty to what Obama means.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_73CIKYA25XJQN4I3WN5CX6JTCU LEROY A

The biggest problem in black america is thinking we are victims, because if you are a victim you are telling yourself you have no power to change you situaton. For you to say we must protect Obama because he is black is crazy when he clearly does not give a F about black people when he does not need their vote. This is the thinking that if you do not agre with Ob ama you are a racist and this president uses that power to control black people who have a thought pattern.

Mwa

colonialism and/or slavery
Leroyavery

It is refreshing to see an fellow black person telling the truth about these so call black leaders. Obama does not care about the 16.2% black unemployment because he has these people telling black people shutup and do not question what Obama does even if you do not agree, or it does not make sense. These are scary times for my people when we use each other like nothing.
Lois Moore

Dear People,
President Obama is not, I repeat, IS NOT- the “Black President” of the “Black People” in America, voted in to office by the “Black People” in America to look after,
promote and only consider the agenda of “Black People” in America “as dictated by certain
self claimed psuedo.leaders of black political thought in America!

There are certain things that we need to do for ourselves regardless of who is in the white house as president. The things that need to be done “by us”, “for us” -can only be done “ by us” ! Most of these “basic things” don’t even cost money , i.e., respect for each other - helping each other – a positive attitude toward life - respect for education and educators - – correct spiritual guidance, etc. and etc. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.

We have been “stuck” in this mode of “waiting for someone else to do what we need to do to advance our own causes” has been going on forever. WHEN WILL WE EVER ACCEPT THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORKING ON WHAT WE NEED TO DO FOR OURSELVES FIRST – AND THEN SEEKING ADDITIONAL HELP FROM OTHERS !!!!!!!!!!

Makedaivor

Please post your comments on as many forums as possible. These critics do not bother to involve themselves in any of the “grunt” work that is needed for Black people to help themselves and then seek additional help from others. It is not good for their egotistical images. Need I say more their actions speak for them. I wrote the great Dr. Boyce Watkins the following but got no response, of course.

Dear Dr. Boyce Watkins,I must react to the Cornel West story. Since (in the opinion of Cornel West, you and others) President Obama has done nothing for Black people, let them stay home, from the polls, as in the midterm elections, so the Republicans and Tea Partyers can return them summarily to chattel slavery. AND you Black intellectuals are not exempt. After all, they SHOULD NOT be enthusiastic about the President running for a second term. There are much better choices open to African Americans (Black folks). Oh yes, there is Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, DONALD TRUMP, Paul Ryan, Ron Paul — the list goes on.Paul Ryan, a beneficiary of Social Security as a teenager and his cronies are trying to pull the Social Security/Medicare rug from under people of ALL hues and persuasions — children; the disabled and the elderly; and others. Many of these adult people have worked all of their lives where they were severely underemployed, at best. But, after all, it is President Obama who has caused this and a myriad of other problems. What a joke!!! If it were not such a pathetic idea, one could double over in stomach-aching laughter with a sound that could be heard around the world.When was there an election or appointment of King Obama with ALL power in his hands? Did his election mean that he does not have to work with what he inherited and, subsequently, has ended up on his plate? Remember Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) and those who neither choose to vote nor interact with their legislators — local, state, and federal. Look at the Wake County, North Carolina school board and its strident intent and attempt to re-segregate public schools at all costs. Look at what is happening in Pitt County, North Carolina with their public schools and the move toward re-segregation. These are prime examples of what is happening to Black people while you spend your time criticizing President Barack Obama. Do you have an opinion about that? Well NO, that might not give you a national platform as you scratch and grope constantly for your 15 minutes of fame to the detriment of the Black people in whom you PRETEND to be interested.When are you and others going to do something to mobilize Black communities to do something for themselves despite the hard economic times? It has been done before when WE were much more resource-poor.1. Are there some inherent problems in our communities that lead to some of the violence and incarceration, as well as dropouts from the education that is free? Why are you not tackling some of those issues?2. Are you and others helping to mobilize Black people to demand actions of school boards, school districts/systems, etc. to deliver a quality education?3. When have you been in the festering bowels of some of the Black urban communities to talk, encourage, and help to mobilize people who are down on their luck and who need assistance to navigate their way out of their circumstances? Well, of course, Black intellectuals DO NOT and SHOULD NEVER TRED those paths. They get caught up in their puffery and attack — logic be damned. PLEASE excuse me; I really forgot, for a brief moment, your purpose in the whole scheme of things.The answer is a resounding NO, in terms of actions taken. All you and your cronies like Cornel West and Tavis Smiley do is spew destructive criticism as widely as possible BECAUSE someone, especially President Barack Obama, is supposed to continue to GIVE to Black people EVERYTHING while too many sit by and continue to act like slaves (including you, West and others).You are a highly nauseating excuse for the guise of constructive support and help for the Black community nationwide. You so-called Black intellectuals need to get a real life and use your bully pulpit to make some real contributions. The CRABS IN THE BARREL SYNDROME is alive and well among you.President Barack Obama was neither elected nor appointed through divine intervention to SAVE Black people from themselves.The looming question for everyone of your ilk is COULD YOU DO BETTER OR AS WELL AS President Obama. My answer on your behalf is another resounding NO!!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Vera-Richardson/1295594818 Vera Richardson

Pres Obama faces racism daily and he doesn’t get credit for his outstanding leadership and accomplishment (i e Bin Laden is no longer with us) and he knows our struggles. Just like the RIGHT use code words our brilliant Pres warned us what would happen if we didn’t vote in 2010. Did African-Americans listen? NO!

I believe that anyone who knows this Pres knows that he will address our issues in DUE TIME. Pres Obama faces racism daily and he doesn’t get credit for his outstanding leadership and accomplishment (i e Bin Laden is no longer with us) and he knows our struggles.

Just like the RIGHT use code words our brilliant Pres has send us a coded message. He stated that his first term in office is like the first half of a four quarter football game. He is requesting that we do our part so that HE can win re-election in 2012 and the game (America becoming a more just and equal nation with economic, employment, educational, available opportunities for all of its citizens.

The poor, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, the under educated, and women need President Obama to continue fighting for us and his agenda. He needs our support and not in house fighting.
Vera Richardson

http://twitter.com/BlackBuzzNews Ronald B. Saunders

Vera: I really don’t know how to respond to so many of your noteworthy comments.
Thanks
http://www.facebook.com/people/Shakka-Zulu/1379420279 Shakka Zulu

I dont call black on black violence an accomplishment..We talk about the thug behavior in communities of color, yet we have a black man sitting in the WH acting as judge and jury, killing another man of color without the benefit of ajudication, and black folks are giving each other high fives as if this is a sporting event..This man accused of being the 911 mastermind, is very questionable..Why not let this man get before a jury and information comes out to prove his guilt or innocence?

I have no respect for this black man who has allowed himself to be used by the white supremacy to re-invade the African and Asian continent..Under his watch AFRICOM was moved to Djibuti, Sudan was split into two countries, Libya was assaulted under the disguise of humanitarian means, Syria is being assaulted, an american is being targeted for assissination in Yemen by this black man in the WH..The Patriot Act was expanded under his watch to include anyone including me and you, can be picked up, thrown into secret prisons because we disagree with this countries policies..So much for democracy..

This man called himself a community organizer, if he was organizing, he should know jobs, racial profiling, mass incarceration, good schools, and decent housing are things all people, especially blacks want for their communities..He is a big phoney who has used black people to get access to the mainstream public..Whenever he talks to blacks, it’s to lecture to us about our bad behavior, why not tell the white man that his greed and colonial rule is the reason the majority people of color are in shambles? He even went to Ghana and try to tell the Ghanians about pulling themselves up by their bootstraps and sheding neo-colonial mentality..Tell the white man to leave the African and Asian contininents, and to stop meddeling in our affairs..

Ronniesaunders

Shakka Zulu: I thank you for your accurate comments about the fake tan Puppet in the Oval Office.

Wattsfamilyliving

Talk about a blind follower. I don’t mean to be insulting, but your loyalty to Obama is a little scary. Have you noticed what’s been going on since he’s been in office?

Ronniesaunders

Wattsfamilyliving: The Obama Team and is counting on the inability of many Black people to read and comprehend critical information.

http://twitter.com/BlackBuzzNews Ronald B. Saunders

Makedaivor: Don’t confuse the Crabs In The Barrel Syndrome with an honest critical critique of Obama’s performance as President.
Thanks
Wattsfamilyliving

Just a question, we’re not in chattel slavery now? Professor West is an intelligent man and I may not agree with everything he says, but, a blind follower he is not.

It’s mighty funny that Professor West was popular BEFORE he started criticizing Obama, now he’s someone we should ignore for being a hater?

Please take a look at the president’s campaign promises and tell me if Obama has done what he STATED he would do?

No thank you. Obama has a lot to prove yet, and so far, he’s failed miserable.

Ellen

Thank You!!!!!!
Djphoenix46

Really, Lois, I would have never have known this had you not told me. I know for a fact that there are millions of Black folk who get up every day and go to work, who raise their children, who contribute to the community and churches, and who in fact worked very hard to get president Obama elected. I am frankly tired of some Black people who talk to or about the masses of Black people as if we are lazy, unintelligent and uninformed children and they are the priviledged holders of knowledge. The fact is that Mr. Leon makes a very persuasive argument, if you are one to rise above emotion and look at the facts. Yes, Obama is everyone’s president. How could any person of African ancestry ever forget that when we are constantly having it repeated to us every other week. Noted, now lets move on. The facts are that Obama has met with the Hispanic Caucus on at least nine separate occasions, and the Congressional Black Caucus, of which he was a former member until getting elected president, had to fight to get a second meeting. What are they fighting for? Their constituents, which is their job! Secondly, Obama established an Office of Hispanic Affairs, through which policies for Hispanics are developed, vetted and implemented. Good for them. I have no beef with that. After all, Obama is everyone’s president. If other groups are clear about holding him accountable to their demands, and we choose to hold back that is on us. The Gay Rights lobby have been successful in ensuring that their demands are being yet. They are not worried about Obama being everyone’s president. Like any group of intelligent beings they fight for their interests. I take issue to the fact that Obama actually demonstrates respect for these groups, while generally showing Black folks his behind. On the limited times that he shows up to speak at an African American venue, he is usually addressing well educated professionals. Yet, he continues to give us that same speech about pulling yourselves up by your own bootstraps and being better parents. He even repeated this regular refrain at the most recent National Black Action Network conference. He never comes to us to speak about policies, nor has even even remotely outlined an agenda for African American progress with respect to his office. Our needs are reflected in his general policies, he as stated He is not solely “the Blacks president” but he is our president still the same and he needs to be accountable. Many African Americans worked very hard for him and sent a lot of money in to support his campaign. I can not rember working harder for a cause, and I am a regular activist and educator. While Obama can not be elected with simply the African American vote, we are still his strongest constituents, and he can not be elected without us. We matter as do other Americans. African American unemployment is at an alarming level for any developed nation, and Black folk continue to make it work for themselves on a daily basis, despite these hard times, so the speech about doing for ourselves that you gave is really uncalled for. Even a White president would have made some type of overture given the situation; the fact that he has not articulated a plan to address this problem is unacceptable. The African American community, like any other, has particular needs and a particular trajectory which must be addressed with this understanding. A general plan which does not take these facts into consideration is insufficient and I can not believe that someone as smart as he is does not know that. Obama’s education agenda will have a devastating impact African American young, as the majority are in the urban schools that are being sold to the highest corporate bidder. These corporations have no community ties; some are even based in other countries. Heritage Schools, one national charter chain, also builds private prisions. How can this be good for American schooling? I am not against charters, frankly I support them as logical option to the status quo, however, I envision a system with more community-based providers, and that pulls upon the strengths and resources of Black professionals, who seem to be largely overlooked. Additionally, to reward his young, white base and to allow his corporate sponsors to profit, Obama has implemented policies that push young, white, ivy league (I also graduated from an ivy-league university so I am not hating) graduates into urban schools with minimal training/preparation to educate urban young students of color, when the research tells you that these schools and students need experienced professionals. These under-graduates often do not major in education, they have their graduate education paid for in exchange for committing to staying around for up to four years — just long enough to profit, cut their teeth, and gain status before leaving to return to suburban areas to teach, leaving a chasm. Many, although not all, are poor teachers and do not know how to manage the students properly, as such the schools are becoming an even worse mess. They are cheap labor though and corporations like this. There is a clear intersection between this policy and the ones being implemented by Republic govenors, both combining to under-cut the rights of working people to collective bargaining and a descent living wage. Better, more experienced educators are being demonized largely because they know more and have been in the system longer, therefore, they require more pay. This is not the change that I worked for. An elite group of so called reformers, ie. The Friends of Bedford, Teach For America, the New Teachers Contract, have been given million dollar contracts to reform schools and we are finding little improvement in student learning outcomes. In fact districts are having to fire them, after they have sucked-up enormous amounts of public funds with no gains. There are people on the ground who happen to be knowledgeable about combatting poverty and about turning communities around, yet they, even though both experienced and educated, are not consulted because they do not come from elite think tanks who only theorize about, but have no practical experience in implemented much needed reforms that will create jobs and opportunity in our nation. Banks are still not cooperating, oil and other companies are making record money while being given corporate welfare, yet the unemployed have to wait with baited breath to see if they will be supported, because program funding is being cut. I do not appreciate Wall Street crooks not being sent to jail, while everyone else, particularly poor and working-class folk are being asked to atone for their sins; and to suffer in silence. Finally, when Obama sold out on the Public Option, and tried to walk away without fighting for the American people, that early in the game, I was frankly through with him. Thank God for the progressive wing of the party, as if not for them, he would have left the entire health care bill sitting on the table. I can not express my disapointment at this. Like many other Black folks,however, I held my tongue and waited for a sign. I supported him unconditionally during that period, even when it appeared that he did not know what he was doing. After all, I said, he is not just the Black president, so his failures are not mine; it works both ways. I looked for a sign for clarity and understanding, a flitter of light reflecting his true direction. I wanted to see what this first Black president is really made of. I prayed for the best. Now that I have seen, I am not happy.

Faith101

Your comments on the need to hold Obama and any other president accountable to his constituency, regardless of their color is excellent. It is informative and demonstrates that you are a critical thinker.
Faith101

Your comments on the need to hold Obama and any other president accountable to his constituency, regardless of their color is excellent. It is informative and demonstrates that you are a critical thinker.
http://twitter.com/BlackBuzzNews Ronald B. Saunders

Djphoenix46: I agree with your critique about Obama one hundred percent.
Thanks for showing some semblance of critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity.
Enochhasrisen

Try using paragraphs because all you have written only amounts to run-on sentences that defeats any resemblance of know-how or claim to posessing critical anaylisis or thought.

Mumbo -Jumbo is what it is.
Wattsfamilyliving

Girl, thank you, thank you. These BLIND Obama supporters need to wake
up. Your points are valid and right on the money. Why do we have to
reiterate that he isn’t just a black person’s president? Hell, exactly
what has he done that we black folks need to keep yelping that? Jeez
has Obama shown any attention (not to mention favoritism) to the black
community?

By the way, these naysayers against criticizing Obama sound exactly like
the Bush supporters (Don’t you say nothing about my president!).

I wonder if Obama believes he’s got the black vote wrapped up and maybe
this is why he feels there is no real need to do anything for us. After
all we’ve been blindly following the Democratic agenda for decades
anyway – so why bother??

Brook

So, you think President Obama should just ignore the black community?

Enochhasrisen

Basically speaking getting down to the fundamental facts of
it essentially, “What did Dr. Wilmer Leon say?

”It must be clearly understood that having an African American in the Oval
Office is not in-and-of itself a victory.”

Dr. Wilmer Leon

The entire validity and credibility of your post depends on how you answer this
question:

If “having an African American in the Oval Office is not
in-and-of itself a victory.” Then what is?

If you know of something that trumps that then speak on it
because I don’t believe there is. While you are thinking about it consider
this:

“Reclaiming
America” is not about White Americas global standing in as much as it is
about taking America back from the control of black people represented by
having a black sitting president with a black wife, black children, black
in-laws and black friends.

Just as we teach our black children about the history and experience of being
slaves White America teach their children about the history and experience of
being slave masters and never shall the descendants of slaves rise up to
overcome the descendants of slave masters.

Americas symbol of supremacy is their precious and much adored film “Birth
of a Nation” Whites believe that America is theirs and it adds insult to
injury that the descendant of slaves has risen up, come forth and now master
the descendants of slave masters.

White America is less concerned about China owning them or about Spanish
immigration because White America is obsessed with the global embarrassment and
humiliation of having all of The Planet Earth witness “The birth of a
Nation” being governed and ruled by black people.

Having the shots called on them by black people is a fate worth than death and
White America will stop at nothing until they “reclaim America” or die
trying.

The 21st century battleground is in Louisiana because Louisiana has the 2nd
largest black population in White America.

Sarah Palin is an imaginary adversary. White America’s current
strategy is to keep black people watching Sarah Palin while the silver tongue
charismatic David Duke and the tea party crew flank and attack Black America’s
political position and right to exist from behind.

Black America 2010, Mubarak Inter-prizes is going to give you unprecedented
access to a major battle quietly taking place on the Louisiana front-line of
the African America existence.

Click the link below
http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t702311/

DEAR BLACK AMERICA 2010
The weapons of White America in Louisiana are not guns, Klan’s men, nightriders
or hangman nooses. The weapon of choice in the 21st century is reading,
writing, producing and intelligence.

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW AND GET THE AMMUNITION TO FIGHT BACK AND DEFEND YOUR
RIGHT TO EXIST
http://www.undercoversmart.com/
http://store.mubarakinter-prizes.com/undercs.html
http://www.mubarakinter-prizes.com/

Sincerely, Enoch Mubarak
President/CEO Mubarak Inter-prizes
http://www.mubarakinter-prizes.com/
Anonymous

I would like to ask Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, Dr. Boyce Watkins, and Dr. Wilmer Leon: What have YOU done to address all these ‘black’ issues that you expect President Obama to immediately make disappear ? Oh, haven’t solved them yet ? Then, what have YOU done to assist the President in what is obviously your own personal missions ? (Whining, complaining and criticizing doesn’t count !). Sounds like to me that all the four of you want is your 15 minutes of fame. Sounds to me like a little jealousy and envy are eating at each of you and you have found comfort in the fact that other haters (and, yes, that’s exactly what you are) support you in a way that allows you to hide your real issue.

I don’t agree with everything President Obama does and there are issues that I would like him to resolve that haven’t been addressed yet. But I recognize that as wonderful as he is, he is not perfect. NO man is, including and especially the four of you. President Obama may or may not get to my issues in his first term of office. God knows, the man has enough problems to deal with. But I intend to do everything within my power to make sure he gets another term. And if he doesn’t get to my issues even then, I will still support him as long as he continues to move in the right direction he has been leaning toward thus far.

I resent that fact that you haters compare MY President to George W. Bush, of all people. I resent the fact that you choose to publicly criticize THIS president while not acknowledging the accomplishments he has made against such massive obstacles in such a short time. And you call yourselves ‘intellectuals’ ! As my father used to say about others like you “he may have book sense but he has no common sense.” Even a fool knows that if President Obama started working on a ‘black’ agenda, it would be exactly what the conservatives, Republicans, and even some of the Progressives wanted and needed to get him impeached right out of office. Then where would we be ? Right back with the same ole same ole.

Yes, he has addressed some of the Hispanic issues, Jewish issues, immigrant issues, Gay issues, and women issues. But although these groups put pressure on him to do so, at the same time they also acknowledged the obstacles he faced and the accomplishments he has made despite them. They are also patiently waiting for more work to be done on their issues while they keep the pressure on. Did you forget about him naming Eric Holder as Attorney General ? Do you remember the obstructions placed in his way about that ? But you haters can only criticize. You have done NOTHING, NOTHING to help him. And now you are out there encouraging other blacks to disavow him as one of us. Shame on you !

You haters are the ones that make me want to puke. Get over your little petty grievances and your ‘that should have been me’ attitudes. Get over YOURSELVES ! This is too important for you to be thinking only of yourselves and acting so selfishly. Obama is playing the hand that he was dealt, and, I might add, playing it well. And he has been wise enough and cool enough to ignore those Brutus’ among us (like the four of you) and keep his eyes on the prize.

I am ashamed of the four of you. I expect African Americans to keep the pressure on him to move forward with whatever causes are dear to us. Even President Obama has asked all interest groups to do that. But be reasonable and use some of that gray matter occupying your head. And stop grand standing before the cameras and on the radio because as much as you would like it to be, IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU !!!!!!!!

And as my mother used to say: Don’t make me have to have this conversation with you again !!!

Staff

All Dr. Watkins does, 16 hours a day, 7 days a week is work on behalf of the African American community. One can’t say the same thing about President Obama.

Anonymous

I would like to ask Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, Dr. Boyce Watkins, and Dr. Wilmer Leon: What have YOU done to address all these ‘black’ issues that you expect President Obama to immediately make disappear ? Oh, haven’t solved them yet ? Then, what have YOU done to assist the President in what is obviously your own personal missions ? (Whining, complaining and criticizing doesn’t count !). Sounds like to me that all the four of you want is your 15 minutes of fame. Sounds to me like a little jealousy and envy are eating at each of you and you have found comfort in the fact that other haters (and, yes, that’s exactly what you are) support you in a way that allows you to hide your real issue.

I don’t agree with everything President Obama does and there are issues that I would like him to resolve that haven’t been addressed yet. But I recognize that as wonderful as he is, he is not perfect. NO man is, including and especially the four of you. President Obama may or may not get to my issues in his first term of office. God knows, the man has enough problems to deal with. But I intend to do everything within my power to make sure he gets another term. And if he doesn’t get to my issues even then, I will still support him as long as he continues to move in the right direction he has been leaning toward thus far.

I resent that fact that you haters compare MY President to George W. Bush, of all people. I resent the fact that you choose to publicly criticize THIS president while not acknowledging the accomplishments he has made against such massive obstacles in such a short time. And you call yourselves ‘intellectuals’ ! As my father used to say about others like you “he may have book sense but he has no common sense.” Even a fool knows that if President Obama started working on a ‘black’ agenda, it would be exactly what the conservatives, Republicans, and even some of the Progressives wanted and needed to get him impeached right out of office. Then where would we be ? Right back with the same ole same ole.

Yes, he has addressed some of the Hispanic issues, Jewish issues, immigrant issues, Gay issues, and women issues. But although these groups put pressure on him to do so, at the same time they also acknowledged the obstacles he faced and the accomplishments he has made despite them. They are also patiently waiting for more work to be done on their issues while they keep the pressure on. Did you forget about him naming Eric Holder as Attorney General ? Do you remember the obstructions placed in his way about that ? But you haters can only criticize. You have done NOTHING, NOTHING to help him. And now you are out there encouraging other blacks to disavow him as one of us. Shame on you !

You haters are the ones that make me want to puke. Get over your little petty grievances and your ‘that should have been me’ attitudes. Get over YOURSELVES ! This is too important for you to be thinking only of yourselves and acting so selfishly. Obama is playing the hand that he was dealt, and, I might add, playing it well. And he has been wise enough and cool enough to ignore those Brutus’ among us (like the four of you) and keep his eyes on the prize.

I am ashamed of the four of you. I expect African Americans to keep the pressure on him to move forward with whatever causes are dear to us. Even President Obama has asked all interest groups to do that. But be reasonable and use some of that gray matter occupying your head. And stop grand standing before the cameras and on the radio because as much as you would like it to be, IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU !!!!!!!!

And as my mother used to say: Don’t make me have to have this conversation with you again !!!

http://twitter.com/BlackBuzzNews Ronald B. Saunders

You shouldn’t resent anything just analyze the facts in the context of the Obama Presidency.

Anonymous

Don’t be telling me what I ‘should’ do, you male chauvinist. You are not my parent. How I feel and what I choose to do is none of your business. I have had enough egotistical male testosterone for a life time, thank you very much. Geeeeeez !!!

http://twitter.com/BlackBuzzNews Ronald B. Saunders

diannkirby: I wasn’t trying to insult you. God’s greatest Gift to man kind is the strong Black woman.
Thanks sister Kirby.

Yamny23

Why, Why, are we criticizing President Obama?? Did you really believe that because he is an African-American that he would “save us?” The problems that the critics want him to resolve were problems or festering problems before he was elected. Yes, this is a democratic society but which one are you referring too?? The incarceration of African-American males are state issues. You do the crime you do the time. Who created the harshest time for drugs in this country, Gov. Rockefeller of NY. Most of our problems are problems created by our state government. Think about it folks. The foundation for the Civil Rights Act came because of what southern states were doing to African-Americans. It was only then that the Federal Government got involved. Focus on what is happening in your state and your city government. You would think that West and all the smart people would know that. The federal government does not tell a state or city what laws to pass or not pass. Come on people!!!! Let’s move on and focus. If we don’t, what is left of our culture and heritage will be gone forever.

Rooseveltt104

my brother
if a state violate a federal law the federal government will sanction that state
and withhold funds from that state.and prosecute the offenders.

http://twitter.com/BlackBuzzNews Ronald B. Saunders

Dintellect69: Everything the author of the above article said about the attackers of the critique on Obama is correct.
Thanks
Brook

Black people can sit on the sidelines and be quiet if they want, and watch President Obama take care of every other constituency except ours. Why are we the only ones who are so ignorant to not understand how politics works?
Aaron Steinberg

diannkirby and the proud that posted on behalf of our President Obama, I kneel to your thoughtfulness and intelligent defense of one who has faced the worse division and racism of any African-American elected official. I wholeheartedly agree with Sharpton, Joyner, Harris-Perry and others who realize he’s the President for all. West, Boyce and those other fifteen minutes of fame haters need to shut up or put up support behind him. One #@#$ reminded that President Obama promised to close Guantanamo apparently forgetting when he attempted, none of the states would accept them! Every bill he attempted to pass, the Republicans stopped and or blocked! Now that’s something Tavis, Cornel, Boyce and these intellectual critics can sink their teeth in. President Obama has tread cautiously the dangerous paths of racism and engrained prejudices to alleviate aggrieved suspicions of turning the country black for eventual African-American control and consummation. Cornel West, Tavis Smiley and Boyce are opportunist who have laid back quietly with the crumbs they were able to sweep from the table without attracting unsought attention. Now that our President who came into office under the most hated, deleterious conditions by a Republican congress, with an egregious implementation ever launched against the position of Commander-in-Chief is further attacked by these “intellectuals”. Thereby clutching the opportunity to shake themselves in the public forum, allowing the ancient dust of slavery and Jim Crow that produced personal restrictions to fall at their feet, while condemning a Black Man who has risen above their individual heights and expectations. Thanks again sister Kirby for being the strong woman you are.
blackgirl

I know I am late to the party but I got to reply. I am not on the outside looking in, I live among the social ills of my community. For eight years poor people got absolutely nothing from the Bush Administration. (No School Left Behind – got left behind, the funding never came and it caused more problems that it solved). Where were the outrage and all this accountability talk. White liberals were the only people constantly made noise against Bush. While you black “Intellectuals” were busy enjoying your tax break money from Bush and selling books. How quick we forget that when Bush left office everyone was worse off. Now we want Obama to give us a quick fix. Negro Please.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Shakka-Zulu/1379420279 Shakka Zulu

What has Obama done that has improved the public school system? Under his watch we’re seeing the public schools getting re-segregated, become charter, and the bailout of Wall Street fat cats..Home ownership funds public education through the real estate tax revenues..We have seem more blacks and peoples of color foreclosed upon and moved out their homes, sometimes illegally..Detroit, LA, Philly, NY, DC, Atl, all these majority black cities are seeing this big demographic shift as a result of regentrification..Massive layoffs of teachers, while wall street, big oil, big pharma all keeps getting wealthier and wealthier off the backs of the poor..Arne Duncan the Ed Sect with no background in education, is privatizing the american public schools, with help from his good basketball buddy, Obama..It has been turned over to corporations, some of them who’re running private prisons (Heritage), are now in the charter school business..Talk about the school to prison pipeline getting shorter and easier..

His two pick for the US Supreme Court sided 8-1 to allow law enforcement to be able to walk by any home, decide if and when they have probable cause, they can kick in your doors and walk in without a warrant..The only desenter, Bater-Ginsberg, who has enough common sense to know this decision will only affect peoples of color..You will not see law enforcement kicking in the doors of Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton, Charlie Sheen all well known drug heads in Beverly Hills..They will leave all their targeting to Compton, Oakland, and all areas where there are mostly blacks and browns..

This great confidence you are expressing in this black man is the same BS blacks express in church, emotionalism high..Screaming, hollering, running up and down the aisle, and getting thatbrief respite, until they leave the church, and get back to their day to day living and it’s hardship..They same way the church did not save us, the same way pinning your hopes on this black man will not do the trick..We will have to realize we will have to get out in the streets and fight..Sitting in the pews in church, at home praying in a dark corner, did not free our ancestors from slavery..It tooke uprisings, rebellions, even killing some of their owners to get these schmuck to give up on the idea of owning other humans..

I have no confidence in this african american in the WH..He will do what Israel tells him to do, the gay community in repealing dont ask dont tell, white women Lily Ledbetter Act, hispanics The Dream Act, but black folks, with our BS he’s the president for all people..I see all other groups are getting their agendas taken care of, while blacks sitting in a corner, with their King James Bible, praying to the white jesus to save them..Pitiful..

Blackgirl

I attended public school for 12yrs under the federal court order mandatory busing laws. So it may surprise some that I am for neighborhood schools even if it mean segregation. I want good quality schools in my hood. If Charter School /privatizing schools is the answer to get kids a good education then I am all for it.
I am not an Obama Kool aid drinker. I am disappointed in the people he chose as advisers, Including Valerie Jarrett. Obama foreign policy look like a continuation of Bush fail policies. On numerous occasions Obama has show lack of leadership. I not one of those people that believed or assumed that Obama would do any thing specifically for African Americans or address racial problems in America. He avoid race issues during his whole campaign. Obama won the election and now that the honeymoon is over (like some women) there are some that are trying to mold this man into what they want him to be. (take it from this woman it not going to work). I know that the only ideas, policies and laws that matter are the ones that can pass the House of Representatives and the Senate and get the President signature. However, I am not giving up on Obama. If Bush had 8 yrs to mess up I can give Obama 8 to try to fix it. Tavis and Smiley can afford to have a Republican in the White House. My poor butt only have healthcare when I am employed. No job mean no healthcare for me, so healthcare is a start. Republicans want to kill healthcare because they know it will help a lot of poor black folks like me. In my neighborhood Social Security is the only retirement plan my people have and the Republicans are ready to destroy that. Sorry, I cant roll with you “Intellectuals” that are ready to put a Republican back in the white house, I got to live in the real world.

Blackgirl

correction: West and Smiley

Djett40

Some may be very bothered by those challenging Obama to do more but the situation in the black community has not gotten better. There is a great deal of work that must be done in terms of parenting our children and getting them educated and that is not Obama’s responsibility. We must do what we can on our own to better our situations. The President campaigned on promises to Main Street and not always focusing on Wall Street but a jobs bill and a war on poverty would not be a stretch for this President. He did fail to bring the Bush tax cuts to an end so he has gone to work for the rich. Unemployment benefits were extended so he has gone to work for the middle class. A vast majority of the nation’s poor are in the black community. A war on poverty and a jobs bill is the least this president can do considering the current climate for American families. The truth hurts and considering his foreign successes it is time for Obama to act locally.
carrie

Tom joyner is a assclown. He use to be a class clown. Thats why only ignorant, unemployed welfair, section 8, 12 baby having black people listen to his stupid show.
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS GAS IS NOW $4.00 plus a gallon. This is because of his drilling moratorium. You know the one the was deemed unconstitutional by a supreme court judge? The one that put millions out of work along the gulf coast. The one he now wants to resend.
PAY ATTENTION YOU IDIOTS!