Every Wednesday morning, I click on Black Agenda Report for my weekly dose of Black sanity in this White Supremacist Capitalist Patriarchy we call America. Imagine my surprise to find "Season 1, Episode 2" of Black Agenda TV!
I don't know how I slept Episode 1, but you can bet I went looking for it, and found it. I'm posting both episodes here because:
I don't want you to have missed any part of this truth-telling and,
Since I'm not on Facebook or any other social media forums (because my old ass ain't trying to: build a presence, which is why I deleted the "Followers" gadget; nor solicit folk for funds that solely benefit my capitalist interests, which is why I have no ads; nor look for blog awards as confirmation that what I write, "is important") -- this is my only means of helping, in my own small way, to spread this very important word to those of you who take the time, to drop in and read me -- because this thing they're doing, is so very important for us.
No, this is NOT your Mama's or Daddy's Black TV, Family -- not BET, not News One, not Oprah. What it IS -- is a group of dedicated Black journalists, who've come together to produce the kind of information about which we all need to critically think if we are to survive as a people. Sit back, relax, take it in, chew on it, dissect it and then, if you can honestly say my observation ain't so -- say so, and back that shit up!:
Black Agenda Report has been my shelter in the unending storms of propaganda levelled at Black folk, particularly since the appearance of the Changeling. For years I kept wondering if Iwas the crazy one! Then I found folk, like -- Bruce Dixon, Glen Ford, Margaret Kimberley, Sese, Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, Jemima Pierrre, Mark P. Fancher, Solomon Commissiong, Jared Ball, et. al who weren't "shining up shit and calling it gold." They were, in the purest sense, "speaking truth to power" and never backing down. I knew then, that I'd really found a "virtual" home in the Black Diaspora in which I fit -- and which fit me.
Okay folks, this is the closest I could find to some real "dog whistling." But you know what? It works exactly the same with people!
As the owner coaxes the response he wants from the pup with his, "Okay, ready?" -- I couldn't help but notice how creepily his method is mimicked by both political parties through the MSM. They say, "Okay, ready MSM? Whistle just like we showed you, and all their heads will turn (away from the important stuff)." All that hullabaloo about Romney's "47%," secret fundraiser comments not long ago certainly bears that out.
What cracks me the hell up about the Changeling's supporters though, is the utter hypocrisy with which they got bent about what Romney said -- when the Changeling did the exact same thing, in the exactsame, high-roller, secret fundraiser setting!
You may not remember, but I'll bet those "bitter Pennsylvanians" sure do! I wrote a post about Mayhill Flower's, then-explosive audio of said, little get-together in San Francisco, back in 2008, but the audio has been mysteriously removed (the transcript is still there, but hearing it drip from the Changeling's lips at the time, was so -- Romney-esque)!
At any rate, here's Bill Moyers explaining how nothing about elitism's dog whistles and money-talk has changed much (except maybe it's getting a little tanner and a lot more invasive):
Hate to disappoint you Mr. Moyers, but no matter how many signs citizens put out all over this land declaring the opposite, many if not most, do see the forest for the trees. They know beyond a shadow of a doubt -- that our democracy is, has been and likely will always be, for sale.
"sheridf…What a wonderful piece of “follow-the-money,” investigative writing! I have to admit, when I saw the title on my emailed subscription, I said, “Argh!, more Romney-Bain sh*it! Does it really matter when he left (besides the fact he may have lied; I mean, Hell, all politicians lie about their money and what they do to get it, if they can get away with it — ALL of them!)?
But this sh*t right here?? This, is the kind of information the MSM and the Changeling’s campaign folk (full disclosure: I’m no fan of his, or them, either!) should be putting out there! Particularly given it’s horribly, negative contributions to the “framing” of our children’s, parents’ and families’ lives (which, as I think about it, speaks to yet another way the current residents of the “Big House,” continue to ignore, “big picture” issues affecting the Black community — I mean, Obesity is/has been his wife’s “signature” issue! Brava my young sister! Thank you for this work…"
Please do take a moment to tune out the MSM's dog-whistles and read this important and very relevant-to-the-Black-community piece of investigativejournalism (cuz Lord knows you won't get it from either campaign's talking heads!).
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Glenn Greenwald's got some interesting links in #2 of his "Various Matters" post. It appears there's at least ONE MSM journalist willing to confront this administration on their undying fealty to Israel. Glenn has the transcript, but if a picture's worth a 1000 words, then a video is -- priceless! Check it out:
The NAACP had hoped that President Obama would speak during its six-day confab, as he did when campaigning in 2008 and again in 2009. In 2010 Michelle Obama addressed the convention...On Tuesday an NAACP spokesman said the group was reserving a Thursday speaking spot for the president. (emphasis mine)
I think I can safely say that his tenure in the Big House, has effectively put Blacks in an untenable position. We've not demanded, nor gotten anything from him! Who's really going to take us seriously after we've sat back and let him get away with ignoring us for four (maybe eight years) with hardly a collective peep? Come on family, ain't y'all tired of asking:
**UPDATE:**Obama Administration Creating African American Education Office. Well, family, he finally threw out one of his "executive order" crumbs. Oh, go ahead -- I can just imagine all the, "See! I toldyou he cared!" happy-dancin' going on right now!
But wait a minute! Is it just me? Or did it take over three and a half years AND three months before the election to even spit in this direction? Seems to me, if it looks like a shut-the-hell-up duck, and quacks like a shut-the-hell-up duck -- it's a damned shut-the-hell-up duck! Just sayin'...
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The Julian Assange Show on RT News continues to offer up some interesting conversation that again, we need not look to the MSM to provide:
Occupy movements notwithstanding -- there appears to be little, if any, danger of popular forces creating practical, functioning, new and significant "models" here, Noam!
Arab Israelis make up about 20 per cent of Israel’s population. While they have not traditionally been conscripted by the government, many of them choose to serve willingly, either in the army or community service, thereby becoming eligible for the same social benefits that Jewish Israelis enjoy after serving.
However, the new law would make the above service mandatory for the Arab population, raising questions among a community torn between their loyalty to the Jewish state and their heritage as Palestinians. (emphasis mine)
Man! All I can say is -- that is some re-e-ally sad, split-mind shit right there.
Like many minorities here, the Druze have been trying to be "patriotic" and serve "their country" (even though the Zionists, much like "real Americans" here, see it as their country). And if they do, they get a shot at a somewhat equal and decidedly "better life" -- at least materially. But when one considers that the Druze must fight and/or kill, other Palestinians, that whole "material" thing seems a bit hollow (the Civil War springs to mind). But that's just me.
Shaul Mofaz, chairman of parliament's largest party, Kadima, told reporters Netanyahu "crassly" violated their coalition agreement on Monday when he disbanded the panel, which proposed ending sweeping exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men and penalizing them if they dodge the draft. Many Israelis deplore the privileges that the ultra-Orthodox receive, but Netanyahu is reluctant to alienate what are traditional supporters by adopting proposals they vehemently oppose...The draft privileges for the religious date back six decades, when Israel's founders granted exemptions to 400 exemplary seminary students to help rebuild great schools of Jewish learning destroyed in the Holocaust. The numbers of exemptions have steadily ballooned over the years, and today, an estimated 60,000 religious men of military age are exempted. The pattern of studying instead of serving continues long past draft age, with ultra-Orthodox men commonly spending their lives in religious study instead of working, while collecting welfare. (emphasis mine)
Sounds a lot like those "exemptions" enjoyed by many of the well-connected, college-bound in this country, no? -- like this, one of many: Starting as a freshman at Stanford University in 1966, Romney received a series of deferments, including one for his role as a “minister of religion or divinity student,” that kept him out of Vietnam (read that here).
So if I'm reading these pieces correctly, mandatory for most Arab-Israelis -- exemptions for all ultra-Orthodox Israelis/Zionists. Hell, I'd be more than a little ticked off my-damned-self!
I had one more, but it's way too long to insert as a mere rumination. Hope to post it soon.
Think what you want - I am more than pleased, to see/hear a news program, that is literally, far and away from the pablum fed to us on a daily basis from our alleged Fourth Estate. Let's face it, we can hardly call ourselves - "global" - if we don't know jack-shit about what's going on, in the globe!
Here's an example of the WikiLeaks founder's new show on RT (Episode 4). I promise you, we'll certainly never get to see anything like this in our MSM:
On my trips to West Africa, I was amazed at CNN's coverage of us (Yes, CNN!). My favorite show was "Black Voices," a weekly, Sunday installment about our Black brothers and sisters in the diaspora who were "doing the damned thing," in Africa, and elsewhere - their way! It was there that I learned about an IT, African brother in DC, who was refurbishing donated computers and providing them to village children in Ghana with the help of his employer. It so excited me, I sent him this email on January 15, 2012 from the hotel (as I said somewhere before - I save everything!):
Mr. O----, My name is Deb--- C------ and I am a Black American living in Texas, currently on my third trip to The Gambia. I just wanted to touch bases with you to say that I watched CNN’s “African Voices” this morning and I was blown away that what you have been doing for some time, is exactly what I had been trying to figure out how to do on this trip (I don’t know why I’d not seen this on CNN in America before, or why I’d not heard of your absolutely wonderful endeavor! Wait a minute, that’s a lie. I have my own ideas why I haven’t – but I digress.
I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe I was meant to see that show this morning.
I will be here for another two weeks gathering information. Thanks to you, I have a better focus. When I get back home, if you don’t mind, I would like to talk to you further about the hows and whys of doing something like your program in The Gambia. I’m no computer wonk, but I’m certain I can find one to help me out - there’s a (business name withheld) right around the corner from my house! I am so proud of you and what you are doing! Your philosophy of an effort not having to be “BIG” truly inspires…
Sincerely, Deb
He never responded. To date, I've refurbished one laptop at my expense, and mailed it to a wonderfully ambitious young man who's going to University for nursing. He helped my pack-a-day smokin', COPD sufferin' ass through a very bad cold while I was there. I know he'll appreciate my keeping my word. I know I sure do.
My point in sharing is not about me. It's about the fact that there's so much we don't know about the world around us. I think Julian Assange and his new show (despite the fact that it's on RT, as critics have so vociferously pointed out ) can help us learn wa-a-y more than our MSM can - or is willing to - teach us.
Finian Cunningham of Global Research so hit the nail on the head here:
The US President said of the attacks: “It’s a reminder that the entire international community holds a stake in preventing this kind of terror from occurring. We have to work cooperatively together both on intelligence and in terms of prevention of these kinds of horrible attacks.”
I try to keep my posts about the Changeling to a minimum, since I REALLY dislike him - and respect him even less. But given his little speech yesterday, the field Negro in me kept screaming, "Man! That mofo is a real piece of work ain't he?! He'll co-opt any-damned-body or any-damned-thing to make himself look good - even Shrub! And what? You ain't sayin' shit for posterity's record??!!
I always listen to the "field" in me, so - here I go, briefly.
After spending the entire time since his inauguration - blaming Shrub et. al -for any and everythinghe had no clue how to handle - NOW, mum's the word? Well, he couldn't resist one last jab on this war - piling it on and then, making it look like HE righted the ship!:
"From this desk, seven and a half years ago, President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since that night. A war to disarm a state became a fight against an insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was tested."...
..."So tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country. This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq's Security Forces and support its government and people. That is what we have done." (emphasis mine)
Makes his, "He-r-re, I come to save the day!" sound almost plausible - unti-l-l-l you realize he said, "A" plan, not "my" plan - without ever saying "whose" plan (too funny!)
The withdrawal agreement signed on November 17, 2008, is included by reference as part of the larger strategic agreement and although it is titled differently, it is commonly referred to as the SOFA. As indicated above, there are no formal requirements as to the content, detail or length of a SOFA, but many agreements share the same basic framework, and this one is no different. Rules and procedures related to such issues as carrying weapons, the wearing of uniforms, entry and exit into Iraq, taxes, customs, and claims, among other operational concerns, are addressed in the agreement. While there are many similarities between this and other SOFAs concluded by the United States, most do not have an expiration date, but this agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2011.
Withdrawal Timeline
SOFAs have been drafted in the past for specific exercises and/or events, but including a date for the withdrawal of all forces from a foreign territory appears unique to this agreement. The withdrawal is a two-phase process. The first requires the withdrawal of all U.S. combat forces from Iraqi cities, villages, and localities no later than June 30, 2009; the second requires the withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Iraqi territory no later than December 31, 2011. The JMOCC, created to coordinate military operations, will establish the areas and facilities where U.S. forces will be stationed between June 30, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Additionally, the agreement recognizes the sovereign right of Iraq to request the departure of U.S. forces at any time and also the right of the United States to withdraw its forces at any time. In an April, 2009, interview, General Odierno, Commanding General of Multi-National Force Iraq, stated that U.S. forces may not meet the June 30, 2009, deadline to withdraw from Iraqi cities. However, on June 30, 2009, General Odierno announced that U.S. combat forces had completed the withdrawal from Iraqi cities in accordance with the agreement. Even though the term of the agreement is three years, and either party may cancel the agreement with one-year notice, both countries retain the right to remove U.S. forces independent of the agreement. However, because the agreement requires the removal of all U.S. forces no later than December 31, 2011, if any U.S. forces were to remain in Iraq in support of security training, or other programs, the withdrawal agreement will need to be extended or replaced with a peacetime SOFA.(emphasis mine)
Don't get it twisted - I have even less respect for Shrub (crook and liar that he is). But, after the Changeling's evoking of his name so often since his selection in order to cover his ass, I just thought it appropriate to put the credit where it belonged and let Obama & Co. get their own shit to crow about.
I found this at once amusing and interesting today. I just wanted to share. Earlier, while reading through the list of blogs I follow, I read this headline at Lynn Sweet's blog:
Burris Enters Capitol peacefully; media hordes greet him."
No comment had been posted yet, I left this:
Hey Lynn,What did you expect a fight? You do Mr. Burris and Blacks a disservice by using these code-laden words.
Just now, after signing in, I went back to Lynn's blog hoping to engage in some intelligent discussion. Instead I found my comment was never posted but now, the headline reads:
"Burris Enters Capitol; media hordes greet him."
The post is the same, only the headline changed. I left this:
Lynn,Since you didn't print my comment (it was the very first one on this post too!) about your "FIRST" headline - "Burris Enters Capitol peacefully; media hordes greet him" - I probably shouldn't expect this one to printed either. But it's worth a shot.I see you DID delete the "peacefully." That's a start I guess. Now, we just have to work on owning our mistakes and asking ourselves why we did them in the first place. What do you think?
I'm not telling anyone what they should, or should not do on their own blog, but I have to say -I'm disappointed. I've been reading Lynn Sweet at least since the Changeling threw his hat in ring. I read her because she seemed to be doing what journalists should be doing according to their code of ethics:
Seek truth and report it
Minimize harm
Act independently
Be accountable (includes admitting mistakes and correcting them promptly and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct)
(Yes I was paying close attention in class!).
Lynn Sweet knew the territory better than anyone else I'd read out of Chicago. Often I would read background information about him in her columns that I hadn't seen anywhere else. She was fair, and gave the reader as balanced a look as possible no matter the player or the issue. And working in the land of Capone, I'm sure that was no mean feat. I liked the fact she'd been around for awhile - "seasoned" as it were.
But since the President-select was selected, I've seen a change and again, I have to say I'm disappointed. I will not stop reading her because of what happened today. It will just be with a more critical eye that I do so.
Here's an interesting article I read today on washingtonpost.com: "Obama Wrote Federal Staffers About His Goals." It begins:
"In wooing federal employee votes on the eve of the election, Barack Obama wrote a series of letters to workers that offer detailed descriptions of how he intends to add muscle to specific government programs, give new power to bureaucrats and roll back some Bush administration policies." (emphasis mine)
The piece doesn't give the date the letters were written so I don't know exactly what "eve of the election" means, but it does mention one letter written October 20. Another great "strategy" I guess. But here's what I wonder:
What media organizations knew this?
When did they know it?
Did they agree to wait until after the election to disclose it?
In exchange for what? Guaranteed access so they can continue to give us even more of those "according to government sources" stories we've read for the last eight years?
Given the fact he wrote letters to employees of seven different federal agencies, I find it hard to believe that nobody knew this before now.
According to the article:
"He made it clear that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would have an enhanced role in restoring public confidence in the housing market, shaken because of the ongoing mortgage crisis."
Hm-m-m, think he had Ms. Jarrett's prior "urban development" experience in mind when he made that clear?
It's been exactly a week since Washington Post ombudsman, Deborah Howell wrote her piece admitting bias in the coverage of "all-things-Obama" during the campaign. This particular sentence elicited such a loud, "Ya think???" from me, I scared my damn self:
"But Obama deserved tougher scrutiny than he got, especially of his undergraduate years, his start in Chicago and his relationship with Antoin "Tony" Rezko, who was convicted this year of influence-peddling in Chicago."
And wonder of wonders, here we are with the mainstream media engaging in gushing, leg-tingling ObamaLove yet again, still not scrutinizing the President-elect's recent appointee. Lord! It feels like the Bush Administration/Iraq war, parrot-the-company-line coverage all over again!
At least the conservative, Judicial Watch is paying attention. Oh I'm sure some esteemed journalists will characterize them as conservative wing nuts or something, but through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, they've got documents backing up what they say in their November 14, Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett Linked to Real Estate Scandals! (She reminds of another Black woman I know who sold a great idea of "revitalization and restoration" of the Black community and then used the cash to unjustly enrich herself and her family for years. The city council finally paid her off to bow the hell out this year as I recall.)
Even Lynn Sweet (whose work I followed because it always had the "balance" clearly missing from the corporate shills of the large print, radio and television media organizations), seems to have soft-pedaled on Valerie Jarrett. Her November 15 piece, The Valerie Jarrett Story. Named senior Obama White House advisor, was certainly not the kind of truth-telling I'd come to know and love. I mean, if you're going to tell "The Valerie Jarrett Story," shouldn't it be the whole story? Judging from the comments section, I'm not alone in my disappointment.
Were it not for Ms. Sweet's prior reporting on the Chicago crew, The Boston Globe's investigative piece to which I linked in my last post and Ryan Lizza's well-written and informative, "Making It, How Chicago shaped Obama" in The New Yorker last July which was swallowed up in the smoke-screen of outrage at the satirical cover - subjective hype and sketchy, yet masterfully presented voting records would've been all I had to begin trying to objectively quiet that nagging feeling of being worked by the man who looked Black like me.
At this point, I don't expect much from most mainstream media outlets. They've got too much invested in holding up this new administration as the "Second Coming" rather than holding them accountable.
