I might sound like a hater, but I think I have a point. Why do they diminish Black politics, to unsubstantiated rhetoric? This mindset is rampant in Memphis politics. The race card is played almost every race. Upon further investigation, it's a nationwide problem. Once it gets pass the emotional, rubberstamped issues. Like racism, discrimination and now the war. Our views as Black people are no longer sought. They pretty much already know, what we're going to say.We generally vote the same way. Once the public hears what Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton have to say. They feel they have the pulse of the Black community.I was listening to one of my most liberal associates earlier today. I couldn't help but wonder. Does this guy ever listen to himself? Based on the things he says, he obviously doesn't. It's like he's reading from a script. No one could possibly come up with this madness, off the top of their head.
Which brings me to my point. The following article was posted in Time magazine, a national publication. I usually have respect for local columnist, Jackson Baker's opinion. Normally he is on point, in local politics. With his implication here I don't agree. See if you see the same thing.
Below is how Jackson Baker used the national spotlight. To draw attention to what I think, is calculated ignorance. I say calculated because, often they're just lies. Though his blog may be popular, it doesn't educate the reader. I don't find it funny, but I'm sure they're laughing.
Read the excerpt below:
Rhetoric has been heated. Thaddeus Matthews, a politically independent African American whose widely read local blog is part scandal sheet, part political tip sheet, early in the campaign dismissed "Joke Ford" as an uncredentialed political novice and high school dropout who lacked his congressman brother's finesse and did odd jobs for his father. That has also been the perspective of an influential corps of liberal white bloggers who pooled their efforts on Cohen's behalf during the primary.
Did you notice this? "influential corps of liberal white bloggers" What does that mean?
That means folks like me.
ReplyDeleteAutoegocrat,I noticed he didn't call any of you by name. He didn't refer to any of your blogs as scandal sheets!!!
ReplyDeleteCommon,You're not the only one. I noticed that too. It's kind of like a nice-nasty compliment.Wendi Thomas did the same thing. They're not laughing with him, but at him. I guess it doesn't matter,if you don't know.
ReplyDeleteCommon:
ReplyDeleteInfluential corps of liberal white bloggers are indirectly affecting a person or course of events. The bloggers Jackson Baker is talking about are doing just that.
The following is a quote from on of the white liberal bloggers Jackson Baker could have mentioned in his Time article:
Let us make the right choice, but let us also remember the choice we made, and why we made it. If we consistently base our choices on the right reasons, we have nothing to fear from racism, sexism, fundamentalism, or any other variety of bigotry whose only function is to separate us from one other.
As an African American when you first read the Time article you assume he is being bias, but let us be real here Thaddeus Matthews is a politically independent African American whose widely read local blog is part scandal sheet and part political tip sheet.
Jackson Baker gave TM a national plug when he could have easily named one of the many liberal white bloggers who has been blogging about Memphis and National politics for years. I start visiting their blogs because I wanted to know why I should continue to call myself a Democrat. They had convinced me to remain a Democrat, until the SCDP public division.
As you know, many African Americans are changing their political banner to Independent. I have finally decided to register Independent. The difference between the two of us...you are more conservative and I am more liberal.
Why won't white democrats vote for blacks? They cross party lines and support other whites. So black democrats really are a separate party. Whites can count on their support. Blacks can't do the same.
ReplyDeleteAutoegoctrat,
ReplyDeleteWho are you? That's my point exactly. Why is the party predominately claimed by Blacks in Memphis. Best analyzed and influenced, by someone we don't even know?
One Way,
ReplyDeleteThey're not laughing at him, they're controlling him. He is doing their dirty work. In the name of Blackness.
Blinders Off,
ReplyDeleteThat's their purpose, to hang on to people like you. Those Blacks that know something is wrong. They just can't put their finger, on what it is exactly. What it is, is they need to change.The only people that should really be Democrats are Lawyers and Professors. Without the liberal mindset they wouldn't have a job.
Common you're right, it does sound like you're hating.
ReplyDeleteThat's their purpose, to hang on to people like you. Those Blacks that know something is wrong. They just can't put their finger, on what it is exactly.
ReplyDeleteOuch, people like me. That is a first for me coming from an African American male. What do you mean by people like me? I do not want to assume what you are meaning.
You are wrong about people like me cannot put our finger on the problem. Believe me WE know what the problem is.
I still agree with the following quote:
Let us make the right choice, but let us also remember the choice we made, and why we made it. If we consistently base our choices on the right reasons, we have nothing to fear from racism, sexism, fundamentalism, or any other variety of bigotry whose only function is to separate us from one other.
Blinders Off,
ReplyDeleteIf I wasn't talking to someone Black like me. I wouldn't have made that statement. There is really no other way to say it, and convey exactly what I mean. Black people like you are conservative, in their politics. But for fear of being ostracized, they won't admit it to others. I think you fall into that category. No harm intended. That's just the way I see it.
I agree with the quote you've used, but it's nothing new. I've said the same thing over and over again. Only to be ridiculed or called a sell-out, by other Blacks. We don't need White liberals, to set Black people, on the right path. I don't want them to lead the charge, in Blacks doing what's right. Look what has the NAACP has become of late. We need to do it ourselves. Without anyone else's help. That's why we never own anything. We love to follow the leader. All except the one we should.
If people can put their finger on the problem. Why are they still claiming to be Liberal Democrats? You need to change your party.
Common:
ReplyDeleteI respect your honesty in your viewpoint. Now let me take the time to set the record straight about me.
Black people like you are conservative, in their politics. But fear of being ostracized, they won’t admit it to others. I think you fall into that category. No harm intended. That’s just the way I see it
First, I am not offended. Secondly, FEAR is not in my vocabulary. II Timothy 1:7. Those who know me well know I do not follow the leader. As long as God lead me in what I do I care less what MAN think. The position you take is apparent on how you post on your blog. Although, I do not agree with how you think on most issues, I respect your viewpoint. Your opinion is yours to have, but you are not right on all things. You do have validity in some of your arguments when it comes to African Americans, a couple of examples your posts “Why should they vote” and a previous one about the NAACP.
We need to do it ourselves, without anyone else’s help
You are correct. Our ancestors have been saying the previous since emancipation, maybe it will happen one day, but I do not see it happening in my or your lifetime.
I agree with the quote you’ve used, but it’s nothing new. I’ve said the same thing over and over again. Only to be ridiculed or called a sellout, by other Blacks.
You should not be surprise, by other Blacks ridiculing another Black who wants better in life. It is still happening everyday with many Blacks. I dealt with Black racism since childhood and nothing has changed. One example is when I was in my junior year of high school. A black male who never said a word to me one day asked me with disgust in his voice, “You must have been to school with white kids before because you do not sound or act black and you make good grades”. My response to him was, “Yes, I did go to school with white kids before, so do that mean I am not a black person because I want better for my life”. If looks can kill, I would be dead. However, I will continue to speak and reference the quote it was and is appropriate. There is anger in your words is it because the quote was written by a White liberal and I referenced it here on a Black Independent Conservative. If so, I apologize...I was not trying to offend you.
We don’t need White liberals, to set Black people, on the right path.
You are right about we do not need white liberals, to set Black people, on the right path. I want to add, we also do not need white conservatives to set Black people on the right path. What we DO need is to learn to co-exist equally and fairly for the future existence of our country. The United States is a multicultural country. We all need to learn how to live in it together, or we will find ourselves in a situation like Iraq. (In a civil war)
If people can put their finger on the problem. Why are they still claiming to be Liberal Democrats? You need to change your party.
Now that statement is the pot calling the kettle black. Why are you still claiming to be a Conservative Independent? I stated I am changing my registration to Independent. I also said that as an Independent I am more Liberal in my viewpoints, which is no different in you being more Conservative in yours. Correct me if I am wrong, about your claim as a Conservative Independent. However, let me make it perfectly clear and for the record, changing my voting registration does not mean I will automatically support an Independent candidate.
Common you speak of being a man of God, but you judge prematurely and have a one sided interpretation of people and issues. You also appear to be like people, once his or her mind is made there is no changing it. I am not going to try to change your opinion or dislike about me, but I hope this open your eyes a little.
Let us make the right choice, but let us also remember the choice we made, and why we made it. If we consistently base our choices on the right reasons, we have nothing to fear from racism, sexism, fundamentalism, or any other variety of bigotry whose only function is to separate us from one other.
ReplyDeleteJackson couldn't have put that in the Time article because I wrote it afterward, but he wouldn't have anyway because Jackson doesn't do opinion pieces.
But make no mistake, Jackson was not insulting Thaddeus. To the contrary, Jackson just gave Thaddeus a huge break. As a journalist, that's exactly what Thaddeus Matthews' blog looks like to him. Remember that Thaddeus was a talk show host before he was a blogger, and many of his habits from his talk show experiences have carried over.
Why won't white democrats vote for blacks? They cross party lines and support other whites. So black democrats really are a separate party. Whites can count on their support. Blacks can't do the same.
That is simply false. I'm a white Democrat and I've been voting for blacks my whole adult life. The only white person I consistently vote for is Prince Mongo, and he's not white, he's Zambodian.
Autoegoctrat,
Who are you? That's my point exactly. Why is the party predominately claimed by Blacks in Memphis. Best analyzed and influenced, by someone we don't even know?
Youre right, and in order to answer that problem, I've started writing under my own name, Derek Haire. You can find my stuff at The Flypaper Theory and the River City Mud Bugle.
Regarding the rest of this conversation, I would like to throw in my two cents.
I'm a 30 year old white male who has lived my entire life in Memphis. When I first heard Dr. Martin Luther King talk about his dream of white kids and black kids playing together, I thought he was talking about me. As a child, I played with black kids, and our skin color never mattered to each other.
Now that I'm grown, Memphis is a majority black town and whites are the racial minority. And right on schedule, I am becoming more and more conscious of my skin color.
When my friends at work are talking and laughing, it stops when I enter the room. "Hush, it's the white guy, he just doesn't get it."
When I walk down the street and pass another grown man along the way, he spits on the ground after I walk past. "That damn cracker disrespects me."
When I go to a restaraunt to get some catfish or wings, the man at the counter makes a point of calling me sir, even though he's twice my age. "That punk kid thinks he's better than me."
I can't help what color I am any more than anyone else. In Memphis. this isn't a white vs black thing, this is a majority vs minority thing. The question I have for Memphis blacks is this: Are you going to rise to the ideals and values of the last generation of blacks, or are you going to sink to the low estate of my white ancestors? A majority race can't use race against someone without abusing it, yet that is precisely what Rev. Gray and William Larsha are doing.
However, on the level of national party politics, the Democrats aren't in such rotten shape because of racism, but because of money. They're selling me out just the same as they are selling you out. If you're looking for a partner in that fight, you've got one in me.
Memphis is the city where Martin Luther King dream ended and Memphis still thrives on racism. Of all places, you would think Memphis would diligently strive to see MLK dream come to fruition. I am not a native Memphian, but this is the WORST I have seen racism.
ReplyDeleteWhat I am about to say next, many Blacks are probably going to denounced me as being a real black person. I do not care because it is the truth.
I concur with what Autoegocrat said. He is my junior in age, but he is speaking with wisdom.
As African Americans how can, we NOT know what he is talking about and how it feels to be subjected to reverse racism.
Autoegocrat asked: The question I have for Memphis blacks is this: Are you going to rise to the ideals and values of the last generation of blacks, or are you going to sink to the low estate of my white ancestors?
I will not be sinking to the estate of your white ancestors and there are many more who will not.
A majority race can't use race against someone without abusing it, yet that is precisely what Rev. Gray and William Larsha are doing.
If what he said there is not true, I eagerly await someone to counter what Rev. Gray is perpetrating. Please do not refer your answer to what happened in the past.
Blinders Off,
ReplyDeleteFirst, if you are not offended. Why are you addressing the statement? I appreciate your comments, but I fail too see your point. Either you agree with my assumptions, or you don't. If you don't, that's okay. Just state your case. I'll be more than happy to defend my positions. I appreciate your bravery. Many read but few respond. Secondly I think you've taken the word "fear", out of context. Look at this one "Ephesians 5:15", it's another viewpoint. I'm glad to know you don't agree with most things I say. Now I know where you're coming from. Remember, I don't have to change my political party. To better suit my opinions. I've been the same since we first met.I don't change my mind to appease others. It's already made.
I call myself an Independent Conservative mainly because I am Black. Only because sometimes the Republican platform, does seem a bit one sided. With the divider not being race, but instead money. As a general rule of thumb. My people tend to have less. Otherwise I'd probably be a confirmed Republican. I agree with most of their positions. White Conservatives aren't concerned with telling Blacks anything. They put it out there. It's up to us, whether or not we get the message. When it comes to Black politics, Jackson Baker only talks about the Democrats. That covers the majority of our race anyway. Since we're like 88% Democrat. The Republican conservative's survival isn't dependent, on our misdirection. If it was, it would already be defeated. We're doing a fine job robbing, stealing and killing, all by ourselves. As long as we behave that way. It will always be to someone elses benefit.
I do believe in God above all else. That's where I get my opinions from. I do have a one sided view about things. I call it,the right one. My opinions can't be condensed in one single post.I hope this set the record straight about the way I think.
I've been following this discussion. Now I have figured it out. Blinders Off are you sure you can see? You talk out both sides of your mouth.
ReplyDeleteI meant to say your neck.
ReplyDeleteCommon:
ReplyDeleteWe have not had this type of back and forth dialogue since we talked about your views on the war. I have the following to say and I am through with this and ready to move on to the next topic.
First, if you are not offended. Why are you addressing the statement?
That is very juvenile and I expected better from you. I stated why I addressed your response in my comment.
Remember, I don’t have to change my political party. To better, suit my opinions. I have been the same sine we first met. I don’t change my mind to appease others.
If you are no longer registered as a Republican, but as an Independent you have changed political parties. You are the same (with your one sided and will not see no other way views) nonetheless I enjoy visiting your site and commenting whether I agree or disagreeing with you. That is why I am commenting now because you are wrongly giving your characterizing opinion of me. You do not know me well enough to accuse me of changing my mind to appease others.
I do believe in God above all else. That’s where I get my opinions from. I do have a one sided view about things. I call it, the right one.
I am not going to touch that one… because like you said and I agree
My opinions cannot be condensed in one single post.
Finally, yes this set the record straight for me about the way you think.
Until Next Time lol
To your troll, Reader. this is all I have to say to you.
I do not spend major time with minor people.
I left something out
ReplyDeleteI understand what Ephesians 5:15 is saying. I also know what you were doing when you reference it to me. Also, I did not use II Timothy 1:7 out of context. It was and is very helpful FOR ME when it comes to FEAR. Because you accused me of being FEARFUL.
You are being judgemental which is not the Christian thing to do.
Autoegocrat,
ReplyDeleteIf there was a White blogger who had a site filled with personal attacks and innuendos. Jackson Baker wouldn't call them influential. He wouldn't mention them at all. Whites don't highlight ignorance. Other than the "National Enquirer". And the "Jerry Springer Show". I noticed none of you make unfounded statements. That have no factual basis. That you could be sued for later. Though often twisted interpretations. They are still based on what you consider facts. He has a reputation of being right. Why would he use as a source. Someone who is consistently wrong. Other than to point out, how misinformed some Blacks are. Being they are the majority of his readers and posters. Since the site is so popular. That says a lot.
Other than that I agree with most of what you said. I don't see what the disagreement is, other than you call yourself a liberal. I call myself a conservative. I just have one question. If you truly feel that way. Why are you encouraging Blacks, to remain the same?
Blinders Off,
ReplyDeleteIt is juvenile, but you brought up the subject. I only responded to your questions. Remember I told you, "I didn't get the point".
First let me say you can't change your registration. You only have two choices. You either claim to be Democrat or Republican. I am an Independent because, I stick to no party. I vote my consious. Just so happens I agree with the Republicans the most.
I'm not judging you one way or the other. I'm just going by what you've written. If you think I'm making up things. Just read back over the blog. My opinion of you has nothing to do, with the truth.
Blinders Off,
ReplyDeleteHow did they get to be my troll? Their comment was addressed to you. As far as the scriptures go, that's another post.
I'm one of those people that read but don't respond.Not that I'm afraid Common.I just happen to agree with a lot you say.At least, I get your point.I understand why many people don't.It's not popular opinion.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to address those scriptures mentioned.Anybody that say's they don't have fear.Is either a liar or not to smart.We don't far our ultimate destiny.That has nothing to do with being fearful now.Don't be crazy.
Common:
ReplyDeleteYou are right, I can't change my registration. I received the information I need from the Election Commission today. I voted Democrat all my life so I thought it was a process to claim yourself as an Independent.
I do not claim to know everything. That is why I do not have a political blog. But, I do visit political blogs, mainly liberal, read the paper, and watch news programs for information on candidates and issues.
From this day on, I will be voting my conscious because elected DC Democrats are doing what they want to do, but expect you to follow the party regardless of their actions.
Finally, I know the troll "Reader" was talking to me, but I was not talking to him or her and that was my reply to "Reader".
Common, I think of myself as a liberal because that's what I've always been called.
ReplyDeleteIf I can choose what I get to be called, I'd call myself a progressive populist. Progressive because I want to move forward, and populist because I think that people power is the only way to get there.
What does it mean to you to identify yourself a conservative? According to the labels, we're supposed to disagree on just about everything. What does the label mean to you?
Blinders Off,
ReplyDeleteThat's all I'm saying.
Autoegocrat,
ReplyDeleteTo be a Conservative, is to want to make the best of what you have. It's about personal accountability. At whatever stage you are, in life. Everyone is not meant to be a billionaire. Be thankful for your blessings. Instead of focusing on the benevolence of someone else. Focus on what you can do for yourself.As worldly minded people. We are driven by a spirit of jealousy.We spend too much time. Wanting what someone else has. Politically, socially and spiritually. As Conservatives, we are liberal to a point. We are concerned with the benefit of everyone. Based on them carrying their weight. I believe in the principle. "If you don't work, you don't eat".
Under conservative policies, I work but I don't eat. "Personal responsibility" is a catchphrase that (in my experience) conservatives use to explain why their policies are better.
ReplyDeleteIf that's what conservatism means to you, then we should talk. I've been taking personal responsibility for my own life since I was 16, and it's been a long, hard road.
Autoegocrat,
ReplyDeleteYou eat regardless what party is in charge. Some, you just eat more than others. Under Conservative policies, you just eat more of what you raise. If you want to talk to me. You must agree with what I said. According to what you say. You are already a Conservative.
Saved as a favоrіte, I love уouг site!
ReplyDeletemу site; AmericasϹardRoom Offеr -
-
louis vuitton outlet, coach purses, prada outlet, tiffany and co jewelry, nike shoes, red bottom shoes, longchamp handbags, oakley sunglasses, longchamp outlet, christian louboutin outlet, oakley vault, kate spade handbags, louis vuitton handbags, true religion outlet, louis vuitton outlet online, coach outlet, ray ban outlet, nike air max, burberry outlet online, polo ralph lauren outlet, kate spade outlet online, polo ralph lauren, coach outlet store online, nike air max, tiffany jewelry, cheap oakley sunglasses, coach outlet, true religion, christian louboutin, longchamp outlet online, burberry outlet online, michael kors outlet online, michael kors outlet store, michael kors outlet online, tory burch outlet, michael kors outlet, chanel handbags, gucci handbags, michael kors outlet online, nike free, louis vuitton outlet, michael kors outlet online, ray ban sunglasses, christian louboutin shoes, louis vuitton, jordan shoes, prada handbags
ReplyDeletemarc jacobs outlet, beats headphones, canada goose, rolex watches, abercrombie and fitch, celine handbags, new balance outlet, instyler ionic styler, ugg boots, reebok shoes, roshe run, uggs on sale, ghd, north face jackets, nike huarache, valentino shoes, vans outlet, ugg outlet, p90x workout, ugg soldes, mont blanc pens, chi flat iron, canada goose outlet, lululemon outlet, ferragamo shoes, longchamp, nfl jerseys, asics shoes, mac cosmetics, bottega veneta, north face outlet, herve leger, birkin bag, wedding dresses, insanity workout, soccer shoes, soccer jerseys, giuseppe zanotti, nike trainers, canada goose outlet, babyliss pro, canada goose outlet, hollister, jimmy choo shoes, uggs outlet, ugg, mcm handbags
ReplyDeletemoncler, moncler outlet, hollister, juicy couture outlet, ralph lauren, moncler, louis vuitton canada, montre femme, moncler, canada goose pas cher, pandora uk, parajumpers outlet, thomas sabo uk, iphone 6 case, ray ban, lancel, oakley, swarovski jewelry, supra shoes, moncler, louboutin, uggs canada, coach outlet, swarovski uk, wedding dress, ugg, canada goose, baseball bats, canada goose, timberland shoes, replica watches, pandora jewelry, gucci, moncler, converse shoes, air max, karen millen, hollister clothing, juicy couture outlet, pandora charms, hollister canada, vans, converse, links of london uk, nike air max, moncler, toms outlet, canada goose uk
ReplyDeleteyeezy boost 350 v2
ReplyDeletemichael kors handbags
fila
adidas gazelle
stephen curry shoes
nike basketball shoes
kyrie 5
lebron james shoes
converse outlet store
yeezy boost 500