Note: this is another retro blog I wrote in 2010 on Fox 6’s Blog Site in Milwaukee, about the angle between Shirley Sherrod, the NAACP and the Tea Party. It was originally written by me around the same time of the height of the angles coming forth with emotion and opinion.
Guess who’s back? Oh, did you miss me? You thought I retired and moved out because of my previous blogs? Didn’t happen. Let me give my take on the angle with the NAACP, the Tea Party Movement and Shirley Sherrod. First off, I’m going to say that in regarding the NAACP and the Tea Party Movement, or the “Tea Party whatever”, I thought it was their right and privilege to go and point out the negatives in this Movement. There will be provoking thoughts on this. I knew this was going to happen, and basically that it was just a matter of time. So this “movement” of the Tea Party is all about telling and displaying about the wrongs in America? You know, throughout history, that is nothing new. Americans have protesting the government since the country has been started. Nothing new. In regarding the NAACP, they simply did what any other citizen, or concerned citizen would do, report the incident like a crime on street. That’s what the NAACP did with the “racists elements” portion of the Tea Party. Simple. I don’t care about the resolution that was documented or previewed. But at least the NAACP did something to get their attention.
And for the record, I am not a member of the NAACP, nor the Tea Party Movement.
There has been alot of talk about the NAACP being “a racist organization”. Oh really now?! Are you kidding me? Man, please. Dr. Benjamin Hooks would be spinning in his grave if that was heard or mentioned to him. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded by a group of individuals that happened to be mulit-cultral. It was founded by a group of people that was selected by W.E.B. DuBois:
- Ida B. Wells – An African American Journalist
- Archibald Henry Grimké – An american lawyer, journlaist, diplomat and community leader
- Henry Moskowitz – A Romanian born citizen who was a doctor and a civil rights activist in the U.S.
- Mary White Overton – A caucasian woman who was a sufferagate, Socialist, unitetarian, and journalist
- Oswald Garrison Villard – A German born citizen who was also an American Journalist, and part of the Anti-Imperialism acts.
- William English Walling – An American citizen who was an American Labor Refomer and Socialist
- Florence Kelley – An American who was a socialist and political reformer.
Look at these names right now. These names were the founding members of the NAACP. And here’s the kicker: 6 of the names here were Caucasian, one was African-American. If more Americans of that matter, and I dare say Milwaukee, would have known that, there wouldn’t be more back talk about the NAACP. To say again, that the NAACP is racist, is nothing more of a slap in the face. That’s all it is. I’ve known folks in my life, that gave their time, donated, and even contributed to the NAACP for years. The thought overall is a complete slap in the face to figures like Dr. Benjamin Hooks, who at one time had a quote: “If I can’t lead, you lead.” Also, Dorothy Height, Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, Medgar Evars, The Voting Rights Act, and many others who helped shaped, started, organized, donated, marched, protested, and even given time and effort to help civil rights for ALL CITIZENS! Do you hear me, I SAID ALL CITIZENS! Start checking, people. When the 96th NAACP Convention was held here in Milwaukee in 2005, (and by the way it was their first time coming) there were citizens of different ethnic groups addressing concerns about the city’s violence problems. And no other person opposite of black was turned away. Not one. And just to add, Black Entertainment Television is not racist. Neither is Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine, TV One, or any other publication, network, website, Scholarships, Fraternity, Sorority, Black Methodist for Church Renewal, the Congressional Black Caucus, and other organizations directed to the audience and needs of the African-American Community.
Now let me provoke the thought about this “Tea Party Movement”. Now I’m going to comment, I don’t a problem of assemblies and also protesting the wrongs of the Government, etc. But what caught my attention was that fact that these people are supposed to be “passionate Americans?” Really? Is this what I’m hearing? Passionate Americans? If they are, then why did they chose the route of what they did and used their liberties on Congressman John Lewis, and Barney Frank. What’s up with the death threats to the LA Offices of the NAACP? And also is Mark Williams a passionate american when he wrote that mocked letter to President Lincoln, which got him expelled from the Tea Party? I ask again. Passionate Americans? They say there’s no proof of them not being against anyone right? Go to Youtube.com, and do a search: Tea Party Racism. There’s your proof right there. And by the way, the clips on the site, you will not see anywhere else. And what’s was up with them jumping all over the New Black Panther Party from 2008? I thought it was between the NAACP and the Tea Party. The New Black Panthers Party ARE NOT part of this angle. And they are not apart of the NAACP. In the past, the NAACP previously did condemn the actions of the Black Panthers, probably the originals. And there are some in this country proabably said “The NAACP should focus on them instead of the Tea Party.” What a way for a distraction. Again, the NAACP had a privilage and a right to attempt to inform the negative racist elements in the Tea Party, but however, the NAACP, nor Ben Jealous, never said that the Tea Party as a whole was or is racist. I hope everyone was paying attention. But you know who have commented about the negative actions of the Tea Party BEFORE the NAACP? Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, Bill Maher, Ed Schultz, Janene Garafolo, and columnist Roland S. Martin. Plus, any other concerned citizen or group that called out the Tea Party.
Now if the Tea Party are such “passionate Americans” as they claimed to fame, I want know is:
When was the last time that they EVER contributed to causes like Health and wellness? That’s right I said it.
When was the last time they EVER contributed to education? Like scholarships and grants?
When was the last time they EVER contributed to set up, promote, and create Career Fairs?
When was the last time that the Tea Party EVER contributed to curb violence on the streets? Or matter of fact, what about Fire Safety with local Fire Departments?
When was the last time that the Tea Party EVER contributed to promote the Arts in Schools or community like Music and Theater? Or encouraging students and kids to get out and play for 60 minutes like the NFL does each season?
When was the last time that the Tea Party EVER contributed to fight discrimination in the board rooms, housing, employment, etc?
When was the last time that the Tea Party EVER contributed to the causes of saving church congregation members and try to find and retain youth and young adults in church EVERY SUNDAY?!!!
When was the last time the Tea Party contributed to send students to the best schools, the best jobs available, or matter of fact, when has the Tea Party done something like the UNCF, or the National Urban League, the Susan Komen Foundation, the 100 Black Men, the National Organization for Women, the Toastmasters, Teamsters, AFL-CIO, Fraternities, Sororities, Huh?!????????
Wait a minute. Never seen, nor read about it. And they still complain. Of some the things that I listed, the NAACP has done over their existence of 101 years. The Tea Party, however contributed to none of these things. And these are supposed to be “Passionate Americans” who care about the country?
I know who the real passionate Americans are, and in my opinion, they not the tea parties who some felt, that they are full of despise. They are folks who don’t get the recognition as much as the next American Idol. They are those who work in volunteer groups, those who give back to communities, those who serve in the communities or the country with the Military. And those who refuse to sit down but get up and do something EVERYDAY WITHOUT COMPLAINING! Such as looking for a job, starting a business, travel the world, or making artwork. Those to me, are the “Real Passionate Americans”. Even if they work between 20-60 per week, feeding their families or themselves just to put the food on the table, and clothes on the backs. Shoes on the feet. Now those are Passionate Americans! My family are passionte americans. Even if it’s being a mentor or a tutor to a child. And another example of a passionte American: Getting together and finding a common goal of solving problems.
Just another thought: When was the last time the Tea Party had a represntative, to see or to conference with President Obama to discuss his policies, and improving America? When will that happen? Probably not. And I think I know why that is. Or when was the last time that the Wisconsin Tea Party Members discussed policies with Gov. Jim Doyle or Tom Barrett? Or with Russ Feingold, Gwen Moore, Herb Kohl, Spencer Coggs, Lee Holloway, Tamara Grigsby, or any other well known Wisconsin politician? Never seen that!
I also have a challengeable question: What would make me gain interest in the Tea Party? And by the way, I’m still down with President Obama, work 30 hours per week, donate to causes, volunteer, help citizens with voting ballots, and I don’t complain as much.
Now the case of Shirley Sherrod. I recently stumbled on a quote from the founder of the United Methodist Church, John Wesley. Just for record, I am apart of the United Methodist Church as a member. The quote was in a form of a letter that he wrote back in February of 1791, a month before his passing. In the letter he wrote this in a issue concerning race and the legal system:
Reading this morning a tract wrote by a poor African, I was particularly struck by that circumstance that a man who has a black skin, being wronged or outraged by a white man, can have no redress; it being a “law’ in our colonies that the oath of a black against a white goes for nothing. What villainy is this?
Like in 1791, for 2010 read that last line again: What villainy is this?
The groups of the NAACP, the White House Administration, other Networks, Websites, blogs, Andrew Breitbart, and even the USDA all took direct respones at her all because of the “potential racist comments” and no one gave her a chance to speak her side of the story. That was inexcusable! President Obama had to be embarrassed. I don’t blame him. He did chose Shriley Sherrod for the job a year ago. I have no choice but to say, but they all decided to jump the cliff way too soon, all because of Rupert Murdoch’s product, the false editing trap of Andrew Breitbart, Fox News, and the ongoing tag along. Only reason is to get back at the NAACP, in their request to “repudiate” (not refudiate) the racist elements in the Tea Party. That’s not cool! For Shirley Sherrod, I sympathize with her. I do. Not just because she’s a black woman, but she was wrongfully accused, and not being given a chance to speak out. FLAT OUT WRONG. SHAMEFUL! Well since this happened, I hope Shirley DOES get her job back, and I can see a book or a novel, a TV Movie, or a DVD, appearances on Oprah or other thing that will get her purse full with cash.
Lastly, CNN had commented that this is a teachable moment. If this is a “teachable moment” I want to suggest some things:
One: when hearing 20 second soundbytes, does not paint the entire portait.
Second, if I were the White House Administration, I would get on Fox News’ case about proper reporting, and Andrew Breitbart’s case as well. And to be fair not to get “snookered” much.
And three, I still have faith in the President! But he has to learn not to bow into the faults of the Right Wing Media. This was his waterloo when he was going for the chair in 2008.
Now I know that there are some Black Tea Party Members. Frankly, I’m not suprised. When Keith Olbermann asked the question in February: “Where are the people of color at the Tea Parties?” It wasn’t a threat. It was a mere question in asking. I know they probably jumped on this bandwagon and took offense of what K.O. said back in Black History Month. And no one forced them to join up. They made that choice. And even David Weber, head of TeaParty365 did the exact same thing. I’m not here to judge. I know, it’s 2010. So instead of going after Keith Olbermann on this question, I hate to say this, but they should be thanking him. And don’t forget that the groups like the NAACP, The National Urban League, United Negro College Fund or any other black organization civil rights groups, Sororities, Fraternities, and etc, put themselves on the line for freedom and equality when most of us weren’t even born yet!. So with that said, the Black Tea Partiers I think need respect the fact that groups like these have opened the door to join up with this movement. That’s right I said it! Always respect your civil rights organization/grassroots elders!
Just my thought on the take.
Oh let me go in on the Tea Party. No prisoners on this! Plus also, a temporary success thus far.
Posted: October 14, 2013 in #blacktwitter, African American Stories and Viewpoints, Black America, Black stories that all should know and realize, Calling those out to be accountable!, Commentary by all means, Decision Factors, Editorial, My Special CommentaryTags: Democrats vs Republicans, Government Shutdown, MLK, Sarah Palin, Tea Party, Ted Cruz, United States, White House, Wisconsin
Well well well:
It seems the Tea Party had struck a nerve with the President yet again and other Americans. Did any see this mess? I mean having those don’t tread on me flags, and what’s this? A Confederate Flag? Uh oh, who would do such a thing? The bogus Tea Party.
When I saw that picture on Twitter, I mean; really? All because of the shutdown. Oh check this, they have to bring in barricades and stacked them towards the front gates. And having that Sarah Palin, and Ted Cruz supporting that mess. Of course, they’re republicans, and fans of the Tea Party. Right.
Obviously. These wackos are just plain stupid. HOW DARE THEM!
HOW DARE THEM of going in front of the White House with the Confederate Flags thinking it’s their own house. Last time I checked, it belong to all Americans. Including me, in which I haven’t visited yet. I’m ashamed of the Vets who are apart of that crowd that follow this mess. Yes, they have served the country, but this crap they supported is blatant stupid! Oh, I’m going there today! They don’t speak for me. And this guy, Larry KIayman, or Klanman or whatever his name is, telling the President to “put the Quran down.” This idiot of a tea pariter is just confused. Obama is a Christian. His father was Muslim. Get it straight, people. Talk about denial of reality. These are just mad haters. That’s all. All parading around with the Confederate Flags. To those with the “Stars and bars” many would call that an reminder of racism and slavery. Having said that, is bringing back old nightmares. Many black folks will tell you that. Also there are those who felt say either it’s a southern heritage or it’s a family heritage. But no one would tell you, that those use the flag also had a history of being traitors. Reference CNN on that one.
But seriously, again the Tea Party in my view, are just haters of anyone that is not them! Similar to the KKK. Oh yeah, I’m going there. I’ll bet there are those who are black and follow their philosophy. Not surprising. They might be in a situation where they can’t speak for all Black America. Frankly their tea party ideology don’t speak for me. And I’m an African-American male. And plus they don’t give a care about me anyway. The same with the rest. I mean how in the hades are they fooling with the get up looking like Thomas Paine wannabes and having guns strapped with a mix of Don’t Tread on Me Flags, now mixed the Stars and Bars?
#TEAPARTYPLEASE! GET THE BLANK OUT OF HERE!
And I’m glad some of the “Tea Party Foolery” got arrested after that so-called protest was well “gated” outside of The White House. Talk about “stuck on stupid”, and this is supposed to be “American enough?” REALLY?!!!! I dare anyone of these yahoos go back and realize that mostly, this is their doing. They are hating the fact that an African-American Family is in the White House. Barack Obama got elected again. But all now, they wanted to keep it non-black just like the last 43 presidents. They in my in estimation want guys like me to stay in the back. Never to lead or to analyze. Newsflash: Tea Party, We can lead now. Obviously that does not resonate with the likes of many others. What really got me was when Larry Klayman was dissing Obama, he had the nerve to talk about MLK. If Dr. King were living right now, and after the B.S. he had seen out of the Tea Party, he would shake his head in disappointment. And no, he was NOT a republican. Some might say, why bring the angle of the race card in this? I hate to say it, but that race card, racism has and unfortunately is always on deck. It may not be real for some, but it is real in a sense of understanding. I know there are some “colorblind” folks that might comment, but remember this: I don’t see no utopias yet! None! If those really feel that following the I Have A Dream Speech 50 years later is a good speech, while this is going on, we don’t know jack about MLK. Speaking of that, listen to this speech soundbite. I hear this on WNOV in Milwaukee, and it’s real talk, EVEN in today’s era, and what is going on right now.
Hmmm………can the Tea Party sample that? Probably not.
Now recently, if those haven’t heard, the House GOP rejected yet again another bill that will not help stop the ongoing Government Shutdown. We know who’s fault this is right? Percentage wise: it’s on the GOP. It’s on John Boehner and the GOP-Led Congress. With the Tea Party Influence and the Heritage Foundation. All because of the Affordable Care Act that IS the law of the land. Got approved. And to their accord, the country got “punished” all because Mitt Romney didn’t check in the Oval Office. WELL TOO BAD REPUBLICANS! And in the last act, guess what, the year 2014 is around the corner. If those who were responsible for this act, their jobs are on line. If those who were effected by the shutdown through the jobs, WIC, Domestic Violence Assistance, Food Share, Veterans Benefits, and many other needs to keep the country going, in any way, make sure the ballots are delivered and punched in the voting booths. LITERALLY! Plus that will be a potential revenge factor from 2010.
Trust me, it’s sad to say that it’s time for this current group of holding Obama back, needs to go. Just early this morning FINALLY some resolution in having some sense. Both Parties has agreed to a bi-partisan deal temporarily to increase the debt limit in order to pay for our bills (and I mean OUR bills), plus also to reopen the Government by the order of the President. And if you are one of the 800,000+ workers, you must be dancing right now. “Go get your paper, mane!” As the young cats say now. Feed your families, pay your bills and stock up on Scholarships and grants for the future college scholars.
So has the GOP learned its lesson after this dumb, so-called, Government Shutdown? They better learn today. This “shutdown” nearly costed the country, and sent a red flag to other countries that the United States got dumb and stupid because their leaders can’t even get themselves together in order to function. Speaking of the Republicans, from Wisconsin: Ron Johnson (aka RoJo), voted no along with other 17 Republicans of the ending the shutdown. Which is no surprise that RoJo voted against that. If Russ Feingold were in that same chair, that would have been a yes. Literally. Plus also: other Wisconsin Republicans like Jim Sensenbrenner, Paul Ryan, Tom Petri, and Sean Duffy also said no. Just also a thought: Sean Duffy at one time was on San Francisco’s Edition of The Real World. Yeah him.
But oh, no we know what happened with Wisconsin’s end in 2010.
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